Red's Tattoo Parlour Colchester has projector plan refused

Sonya Trusty proposed to make the gobo projector which illuminates her shop’s logo onto the pavement in Colchester High Street a permanent feature.

Ms Trusty has been giving Colcestrians ink since she opened Red’s Tattoo Parlour in 2004.

The tattoo artist said since the Town Hall banned A-boards in the city centre, it has been harder to find ways to advertise her business.

Tattoo artist - Sonya Trusty gives a client some fresh ink (Image: Contribution)

But Colchester Council’s place and client manager Karen Syrett refused her plan, saying it would be an “alien and incongruous addition to the street scene”.

Ms Trusty said she will now go through the process of appealing the decision.

“Since the removal of A-boards, small businesses like mine have been harder for patrons to find,” said Ms Trusty.

“I think since Covid lockdowns and in the country’s current financial downturn, the council should be more supportive and forward thinking and, indeed, consistent.

“After all, we are now Colchester city so let’s move with the times.”

In the spotlight - Sonya Trusty's logo projection plan has been refused by council planning bosses (Image: Contribution)

Ms Trusty said the projector had already been in place for more than a year, admitting initially she was not aware it needed to be approved by the council.

She continued: “Through an amazing outpouring of support from the people of Colchester I have learned other business have similar lights.

“Is it because I’m a tattoo studio? I don’t know, but it’s an interesting question.

“I will be appealing the decision but of course, no doubt this will cost me yet more money.

Talented - Sonya with a client (Image: Contribution)

“I would also like it noted there was not any objection to the sign from anyone.

“I have had Reds for 20 years now I hope to be here in another 20 years’ time.”

In her refusal notice, Ms Syrett said the projection would cause “intrusion to footpath users”.

Her report added: “[It will cause] significant harm to the character and setting of nearby Listed buildings and the Conservation Area, as well as the visual amenity of the area.

“[It could be] a potential distraction to motorised vehicles and other highways users.”

Projecting on the pavement would be 'inappropriate'

THE use of the pavement to advertise businesses is “inappropriate”, Colchester Council has said.

It comes amid a row between Red’s Tattoo Parlour, in Colchester High Street, and the local authority over a projection of the firm’s logo on the pavement.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “The council is working with our partners and the community to make our city centre an attractive destination for residents and visitors.

“The use of the pavement to host advertising for businesses is inappropriate, as it would be intrusive and harm the quality of the public realm and the experience enjoyed by pedestrians.

“It would be contrary to our strategic objectives to enhance our city centre and enrich the quality of our visitor experience.”

The spokesman also responded to claims that a decision to ban A-boards in the city centre has been detrimental to businesses.

“The restriction on A-boards is also about helping to make the city centre a safe, attractive and welcoming place for all visitors, including people who are visually impaired or who have restricted mobility, as well as to parents with children, prams and buggies,” he added.

“It is not, and never has been, a deliberate attempt to stifle free enterprise.”