HUNDREDS of people have backed a campaign persuade West Dunbartonshire Council to approve a new tattoo business in Alexandria.

As the Reporter previously revealed, a new studio and piercing business has applied to the council's Licensing Committee to kick start their 121 Main Street venture.

But the entrepreneurs behind the potential studio, Natalie Devine and Dane Innes, were shocked to discover three objections had been submitted to the local authority.

Their application will go before the committee at a meeting in Clydebank Town Hall this afternoon, but their close friend took it upon herself to create a petition, which had garnered 215 signatures, in a bid to show councillors the local community are behind the new store.

Lainey McMonagle, who began the campaign, said the majority of Vale residents would like to see a new business popping up on the street.

The 29-year-old said: "They're fantastic artists, they're a staple of the community, everybody knows them.

"The Vale's a small place and word gets around (of the objections) so they're opening up their own shop and they're excited but all of a sudden this objection went in.

"I thought 'I'm going to do something about this and hopefully persuade the council. The entire community supports them.

Ms Devine, 27, and 28-year-old Mr Innes are both qualified tattoo artists who built up their experience in the area, with Dane even travelling as far South Africa to set up his own studio.

However, pair have now been out of work as they plan for the shops launch and say they've had to begin paying the rent on their council rented property without being able to open the shop until their granted a license, leaving them out of pocket.

Ms Devine, of Renton, said: "We've been looking everywhere - Clydebank, Bowling, Glasgow - everywhere. But this is where we found the best shop for us.

"I'm from here so I don't understand why I can't have a business and my clients are from here, although some come from all over Scotland.

"We're just trying to make a living, we've put a lot in to this."

The potential business owners say they've been left disheartened by the objections to their plans but have taken comfort in the support from the campaign.

Ms Devine added: "It was surprising when I seen how much support we've got. It's a bit of a bummer that in my own home town I can't make it happen."

But the group have vowed not to give up, with Ms Devine stating she - and several other members of the campaign - will be at tomorrow's meeting "with bells on".

The council report states the chief superintendent of the police authority advised that the chief constable has no objection.

In view of the objections which have been received, the applicants and each individual who submitted a letter of objection have been invited to attend the meeting.

The report adds: “The full terms of the letters from the three objectors will be made known to the committee at the meeting as appropriate.”