Row Over Security Shutter Threatens Future Of Market Harborough Shop

A row over a shutter is threatening the future of a Market Harborough shop which is the first British fashion brand on the high street in 25 years.

It was installed on the front of Venus Cow on Adam and Eve Street to boost security, but Harborough District Council has ordered its removal, because it does not have planning permission.

Owners of the business say the shutter is a stipulation of the shop’s insurance, because it stocks high-value designer clothes and they will be forced to close if it has to be taken down.

Holly and Shirley outside their shop with the security shutter down

Sister-in-laws Shirley Yanez and Holly Hollingworth built their fashion label, Venus Cow, from a £300 government grant in 2012, and after trading online opened the shop last autumn, as the first fabric-knitted, made in the UK, brand on the high street for 25 years.

They are now set to submit a retrospective planning application, but argue some other shops near-by also have shutters and are hoping for a change of heart from the council, as it is understood just one complaint was made about the look of the shutters on their premises.

Shirley spoke to HFM:

Holly says they are willing to compromise over the use of the shutters:

Holly and Shirley outside their shop

A Harborough District Council spokesperson told HFM: “A retrospective planning application (23/00674/FUL) for installation of a metal roller shutter to front elevation of 6 Adam and Eve Street was received by Harborough District Council on 10 May.

“The application was not valid on receipt.

“More information to make it valid has been requested by the council.”