Perth Voice Interactive

Stirling city council has blocked a new tattoo studio from opening up in Yokine (“Studio needles locals”, Voice, July 6, 2013).

Fifteen objections were lodged against the proposed Michael Street parlour, with locals worried about anti-social behaviour in nearby Knight Avenue reserve and surrounding streets.

Councillor Giovanni Italiano, who used to have his ex-wife’s name tattooed on his arm before having it lasered off, voted for the tattoo studio and pleaded with his colleagues not to be swayed by outdated stigmas.

“I don’t personally like them and had mine removed, but we need to vote based on planning grounds not any stigma.

“Millions of young people have tattoos now—times have changed.”

Cr Samantha Jenkinson still has her tatt and backed the studio.

Veteran Cr Rod Willox said the studio was better suited to a main road than a quiet suburban street.

“I think locals’ fears are based on the people they have seen visiting the site while it’s being prepared,” he said.

“It’s inconsistent with the day-to-day needs of the people and is in the wrong location.”

The small Michael Street shopping strip contains a mix of shops, including a hairdresser saloon, dog grooming business and a pest controller.

Cr Terry Tyzack said locals had unanimously opposed the development, with people associating tattoo studios with anti-social behaviour via reports in the media.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK