A Bridport business has been forced to remove its iconic signage after they were deemed "unsympathetic and inappropriate" to the listed building and conservation area.

The 3D, graffiti-style signage outside Gunz Barbers had become a notable sight on Bridport's East Street, but this has now been replaced with a far more subtle shop frontage.

Dorset Council said that the owners of the barber shop had made changes to the frontage of the listed building, which is within the Bridport Conservation Area, without seeking the required planning permission.

Announcing on social media that they had been told to remove the eye-catching signage, Gunz Barbers said: "We at Gunz Barbers have finally lost our discussions with Dorset Council's planing department regarding our shop sign, so down the landmark came and up with a subdued version."

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "As we considered the changes constituted unsympathetic and inappropriate alterations which damage the form, character, and appearance of the building, we issued enforcement notices to the business earlier this year.

"These notices required the building frontage to be returned to how it appeared prior to the unauthorised works."

However, despite being made to remove its signage, the barber shop has not lost its community spirit and has funded a new public bench outside the East Street shop, as the previous one was considered to be in a dangerous condition and the town council were not in a position to replace it.

Gunz Barbers added: "Look after it good people of Bridport, be you waiting for a bus or even consuming a late night kebab. Try to just sit and not climb all over it."