A Raynes Park barber says the council isn't doing enough to help small businesses thrive.

Raz Mahmood opened Apostles Barber Shop in March this year, but has faced challenge after challenge to keep it afloat.

"Gas works took place for about five weeks on the road outside," he said.

"I was struggling and had no business for nearly 50 days."

So to try and bring the people back into his shop once the works had finished, he decided to advertise outside.

But now the final straw has come for Mr Mahmood after being told he had to take down the banner.

In a letter sent to him on behalf of the highways team at Merton Council, he was told they "do not support free standing signs that are over 1.4 metres tall as these are dangerous in the wind.

"Lastly we deter any sign that has movement to it as this is dangerous to the partially sighted as it moves in the wind and can be a real shock if it comes in contact with them as they pass."

Mr Mahmood was told he had to remove the banner by October 22.

"It is affecting my life mentally and physically," he said.

"I am working seven days a week just to cover my bills.

"The council doesn’t help small businesses whatsoever."

But Martin Whelton, cabinet member for regeneration, housing and transport, echoed those sentiments expressed in the letter.

"We want to allow local businesses to thrive, and within reason, we do allow small advert signs outside shops," he said.

"However, concerns were expressed by local residents and the size of the sign meant that it was obstructing the highway, along with being dangerous.

"Due to its size, it could pose a danger to visually impaired people and the elderly, we have a duty and responsibility under the Highways Act 1980 to take action against obstructions."

Mr Mahmood is now at a loss as to how he is supposed to not only keep his shop viable, but also make it thrive.

"It makes me feel like I don’t know where to go for help," he said.

"I put this banner here because I am a new business.

"All I am trying to do is give people an idea where I am based so they know there is a barber shop here."