Rising fuel costs hitting businesses and customers

Businesses are also seeing wider knock-on effects. Hairdresser Emma Crossley said customers were waiting longer between appointments than they had previously.

She said: "Since the fuel prices went up I have noticed a difference in how often people have their hair done. About five years ago it would have been about six or seven weeks - it's more like 10 to 12 weeks now."

Tourism operators have also noticed a change. Pauline Ellis of the Mad Hatter bed and breakfast, said some visitors had cancelled trips because travel costs had become too expensive.

She said: "We are a long way down here and I think it has made an impact on whether people can afford to come this far down, with the prices as they are."

At Down the Line Surf Shop, owner Justin Lapskas said the higher fuel costs affected the import and transportation of products.

"We bring in products from around the world, so for us, the increase in fuel prices has an effect and something that we've kind of got to deal with moving forward," he said.

"So yeah, I'd say fuel has an impact across the board for us."

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