AN Ilkley beauty salon has launched an appeal after being told to remove its protective shutters - despite being targeted by burglars.

Sarah Oakley and Rachael Skirrow, owners of Rouge, in Chantry Drive, are contesting Bradford Council's decision to refuse them retrospective planning permission for window security shutters and shutter boxes.

The council, under guidance from Ilkley planning department and the parish council, ruled that the barriers constituted 'discordant and intrusive features...within the Ilkley Conservation Area."

That decision angered Ms Oakley and Ms Skirrow, whose business has lost thousands of pounds following three break-ins within eight months, which included a ram-raid last November.

They claim the shutters, whose boxes they have painted to match the rest of the shop's colour scheme, are the only things which will stop more burglaries happening.

Rouge's customers, who were shocked when they heard about the council's stance, have pledged their support for the business with some even offering to start up a petition.

A spokesman for the salon said: "There hasn't been one customer who hasn't supported us. They all agree that the shutters don't look out of place. We've even had strangers coming in off the streets to say they look fine.

"We've also had a couple of people write letters to the press to say how silly the council's decision was, so we are getting a lot of moral support from everyone and now we're just hoping for a favourable outcome from the appeal."

The matter will be decided by a Government Inspector, who will visit the salon and weigh up written statements from both sides.

Anyone with views on the matter should send a letter, copied three times, to: The Planning Inspectorate, 3/08b Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, by September 25, 2003. All correspondence should quote the appeal reference number, APP/W4705/A/03/1124343.

Meanwhile, the council's reasons for refusal of planning permission can be inspected at the Area Planning Office in Ilkley Town Hall during normal office hours.