A TATTOO artist has appealed against a council decision to ban her from projecting her business’ logo onto the pavement.

Sonya Trusty was told the projection was an “alien” addition to the street scene in Colchester High Street in January.

The tattoo artist has been inking customers at Red’s Tattoo Parlour since she opened its doors almost 20 years ago in 2004.

She previously told the Gazette since the town hall banned A-boards in the city centre, it has been harder to find ways to advertise her business.

Gazette: In the spotlight - Sonya Trusty's applied to project her logo onto Colchester High Street but the bid was rejectedIn the spotlight - Sonya Trusty's applied to project her logo onto Colchester High Street but the bid was rejected (Image: Newsquest)

The projection Ms Trusty applied for depicts a heavily tattooed woman with long hair and the brand name.

It has previously been projected in High Street but was refused retrospective planning permission earlier this year.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “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.”

Gazette: Easy does it - Sonya with a client at her Colchester parlourEasy does it - Sonya with a client at her Colchester parlour (Image: Newsquest)

A planning decision published by the council said the projection would result in an “alien and incongruous addition to the street scene”.

Ms Trusty has now lodged an appeal against the decision, which is being considered by Colchester Council.

“When my planning was rejected I was obviously disappointed, but more so I felt it was incredibly unfair,” said the tattoo artist.

“I feel that I was persecuted just because we’re a tattoo studio.

Gazette: Tattoo artist - Sonya Trusty gives a client some fresh inkTattoo artist - Sonya Trusty gives a client some fresh ink (Image: Newsquest)

“We wanted the project to give the people of Colchester a little bit of fun during an evening.

“Everyone enjoyed taking a selfie with it while they’re out having a great time and we upload them to our Instagram.”

She continued: “It is just a bit of good fun really. It didn’t affect the traffic or anything else so there was no harm in it.

“To be fair, Colchester Council didn’t even notice it initially for a year and a half.”

The Planning Inspectorate will have the final say on the appeal.