A hairdressers run by a couple for 46 years is set to close, with parking policy being partly blamed.

Brenda, 67, and Brian Neligan, 73, of Brenda and Brian Studio 8 in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, have decided to move on, but thanked a loyal network of friends and clients for keeping them going for so long.

They blame the pressures of running a small business and the council’s parking restrictions for the decision.

“We’re sad to go, but I haven’t had a break for two years” Brenda said.

“And parking of course, my husband does a lot of people that have to drive and [council parking restrictions] are just a nightmare.”

The couple, who have been married for 47 years, say they have suffered several setbacks, including Brenda enduring a long pneumonia scare last year and another member of staff suffering a serious back injury.

Lin, another member of staff, has been at the studio for 33 years while Linda, who the pair still refer to as “the new girl” has worked there for 18 years.

Brian said some of his clients had been visiting for 50 years.

“I had mixed feelings, I don’t feel ready to retire but when you have a business and you have to sell it you can’t walk in and say ‘I’m off’ – you have to organise the selling,” he said.

The pair said they are looking forward to “a nice long holiday” at their house in Malta which they have not been able to visit for several years for looking after the business.

The studio’s last opening day will be on Saturday.