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Tattoo parlour hits back at claims
MBTC-01-02-12- Palnet 13 Tatoo parlour, Dunstable St. Ampthill.
A TATTOO parlour has hit back at false claims that were published on a leaflet and distributed to dozens of businesses and homes in Ampthill.
The leaflets claim that the new tattoo parlour Planet 13 has opened after making unauthorised alterations to the Grade II listed building and says it has not complied with Environmental Health laws, both of which have refuted by the shop and the Central Beds Council.
The leaflet also states that potentially the shop could dispose of used needles in the street where children and the elderly walk – a claim the shop also strongly denies.
Planet 13, based at Dunstable Street, opened last month, but in the last week says it been subjected to this campaign from a small number of residents.
Claire Hyndman, who owns the business, said: “I was really shocked when I saw the leaflet. Somebody from Martin’s newsagent brought it down. I feel like it’s a campaign against us, which I think is very unfair.
“There was a sign up at the shop for six weeks before we opened stating our plans and there was a number if anyone wanted to discuss it with us, but nobody got in touch.
“So why do this now? We have complete backing from the council and we have had a lot of positive feedback for the public. People have been coming up to me and saying they can’t believe what is happening.”
And she added: “If anything it has been good publicity for us, because people have got in touch saying they didn’t even know we were here.”
Claire has also started a petition asking people to support them, which she says has already gathered lots of signatures.
The anonymous leaflets which were distributed last week, also state that no planning permission was gained before the shop opened and claims that is not in-keeping with the surrounding buildings.
A resident, who is against the opening of Planet 13 and asked not to be named, said: “There is no hate campaign - all we wish to do is make our representations through the appropriate channel, ie the planning system.”
Planet 13 is now in the process of submitting a change of use planning application.
Councillor Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities services at Central Beds, said: “In order to be registered by the council, tattooists need to meet health and safety standards stipulated in the local bye-law.
“Officers found that the applicant had met these standards of hygiene when they visited.
“The property is a Grade II listed building and was last used as an antique shop. Planning permission is required for the change of use to a tattoo studio and an application is being submitted in this respect.
“It is understood that no alterations have been carried out to the fabric of the building and therefore listed building consent is not required.”
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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