More than 500 people are backing a campaign to save a tattoo and body piercing shop in Clacton town centre.

Mark Rowe and Louise McCusker - who run Buddies Studio in the High Street - were shocked when they were told by Tendring Council they would have to stop the operation.

Now the pair have re-applied for planning permission to continue running their popular business in the hope they can persuade councillors to think again.

They were previously based in the cramped back room of a hairdressing salon just round the corner in Station Road - which was allowed by planners.

However, when they wanted to expand into more modern premises a few yards away, they fell foul of a policy restricting the new site to retail use only.

The salon is not considered to fall within that category.

Mr Rowe, who is registered disabled, and Ms McCusker, a single mother, say they were trying to improve their service and facilities and were amazed at the decision.

There are now more than 500 signatures on a petition in the shop and they also have backing from other traders.

"We have had talks with the planning officers at Tendring Council and I am hoping that we can sort this out," said Mr Rowe.

Published Thursday, January 2, 2003

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