Building collapse unites hairdressers in Enfield after competing salon extends helping hand

A GENEROUS offer from a stranger has helped Lulu Ross get back on her feet after her hairdressing salon was reduced to rubble when the building she ran her business from partially collapsed.

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LULU Ross and Chadi Nehme have operated hairdressing salons within metres of each other on Liverpool Rd, Enfield, for years — but until last week they had never met.

Now they are working side-by-side at Mr Nehme’s Chad’s Hair Design as Ms Ross gets back on her feet after her world came crashing down.

The two-storey building that housed Ms Ross’ LA Lulu started to collapse into an adjoining construction site late last Monday.

The hairdressing salon was demolished last Tuesday. Picture: Craig Wilson

Some 12 hours later, all that remained was a pile of rubble after engineers determined the building had to be demolished.

A distraught Ms Ross wiped away tears when she spoke to the media on Tuesday as she tried to comprehend her salon — which had operated on Liverpool Rd for 28 years — was no more.

She was again reduced to tears in the days following — but it was out of joy, not sadness.

Mr Nehme had contacted Ms Ross through a mutual salon supplier with a generous offer — a space in his shop for as long as it was required.

“I cried,” Ms Ross told the Inner West Courier. “I was so touched.”

Chadi Nehme and Lulu Ross at Chad's Hair Design, Enfield. Picture: Craig Wilson

Mr Nehme said when his wife heard the news of the building’s collapse, she said they had to help.

“Anyone that can help should do what they can,” he said. “When I’m in trouble, I’d love to have someone do that for me.”

Ms Ross and her staff, still operating as LA Lulu, moved in on Friday.

Their trading hours and phone number have not changed.

Ms Ross had reason to smile again thanks to Mr Nehme’s generosity. Picture: Craig Wilson

Ms Ross said the phone had been running hot with messages of support, to the point where help was needed to take everything down.

While Ms Ross has been overwhelmed by Mr Nehme’s generosity, she said she was keen to return to her former location once a new salon was built.

Joshua Parry, who lived above the salon, was also affected by the building’s collapse.

“The poor guy’s lost everything,” Ms Ross said.

Burwood Council will investigate the cause of the collapsed.

“At this stage our top priority is to ensure that the site is secured and safe for residents nearby,” Mayor John Faker said.

“A full investigation will be undertaken to determine the cause of the incident.”