Residents are celebrating a hair salon in Shaw for coming up with a 'lovely' idea that will support pensioners this winter.

Short and Curlys on Rochdale Road is a unisex hair salon, offering a wide range of colours, cuts and hair treatment needs.

However, this winter the salon will also be opening its doors to some of the area's most vulnerable who will be affected by the cut in winter fuel allowance.

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MPs voted to remove the winter fuel payments, worth up to £300 a year, from millions of pensioners earlier this week.

Under the plan announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July, winter fuel payments will be restricted to those receiving pension credit, meaning around 10 million pensioners will lose out.

The Government argues it is right to means-test the benefit in order to tackle the "black hole" in public finances.

With fears the payment cut could put some of the country's most vulnerable in hardship, the Oldham salon has come up with the idea to support their community by offering warmth and a free tea or coffee.

Short and Curlys announced in a post on social media: "Alex and the staff at Short and Curlys will be opening the salon up to our local pensioners during this coming winter.

"We made the decision on hearing of the removal of the winter fuel allowance.

"Come down get warm and have a tea or coffee and a catch up on us, no strings attached, just a little community spirit."

Speaking to The Oldham Times, salon owner, Alex, said: "My parents built Short and Curlys on what we now call pensioners.

"They are a generation that have always paid their way and looked after the generations after.

"Although we are a much more modern salon now I believe you should never forget who helped you get where you are today."

Residents have since praised the salon for their "amazing" and "lovely" gesture.

A man said: "Alex has always been one of the kindest, warming people I've met and a brilliant barber to boot".

Meanwhile, another woman wrote: "A typically kind gesture from a really lovely family."

"You have a heart of gold", said another.

Others were also keen to offer a helping hand, as one woman said she would be happy to volunteer a few hours on serving and washing up while another said she would be happy to help collect any donations that may be needed.

Another resident said: "Love this, keep up the community spirit."

Short and Curlys has been contacted for comment.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk