A tattoo artist in Thanet has expressed his disbelief after receiving a warning from the council for operating during lockdown, despite spending the last few weeks renovating his premises.

Paul Courtney, who runs The Ink Court on Ethelbert Square, Westgate, said he was shocked to receive a letter from Thanet District Council, warning him of enforcement action if he continued to operate.

The 34-year-old said: "I'm super-confused about it, and it's frustrating because I'm taking this time to rip my studio out and do it all again and I'm halfway through that.

"If anyone's walked past or looked on the Facebook page they'll see I'm doing that, so it can only be a malicious attack, which is not fair.

"It's quite worrying and disconcerting, and you feel like you've got to speak up for yourself."

Since the lockdown began, Mr Courtney said the premises has been closed to all members of the public and he had told all staff to stay home.

He has spent the time painting, moving walls and getting the shop in tip-top shape for when he can reopen.

He added: "It's impossible to work here right now - my staff haven't even visited, it's annoying."

Mr Courtney received an official warning of enforcement action letter from the council last week.

The letter stated that council officers had been notified Mr Courtney may be operating his business, which is not exempt from closure during lockdown.

It read: "We will now investigate the allegations further.

"If we find the premises has or continues to contravene the current legislation you will be served with an immediate prohibition notice, you may be liable for a fine or a fixed penalty notice."

The council have sent out 34 warning letters and nine immediate prohibition notices to business owners across Thanet since the end of March.

Mr Courtney has contacted the council for more details of the allegation against him.

As a creative professional in lockdown, he explained life without inking has been difficult for him and his staff.

He said: "I think you find a lot of artists going crazy when they're not doing something.

"I know if I'm not doing something every single day that's creative I find my mental health dropping, especially those of us who usually creating pieces of art daily."

Mr Courtney said many artists are using their spare time in lockdown to practice their craft or draw artwork commissions for people.

The artist has been inking people's skin for years, and specialises in detailed black and grey designs.

Last month, Thanet District Council announced it was taking 'tough measures' on Thanet businesses who were ignoring lockdown restrictions.

Cllr Helen Whitehead (Lab), deputy leader, said: "I cannot stress enough how important it is that we continue to observe the rules.

"The fact that five more businesses have had to be served with Prohibition Notices is a huge disappointment.

"We have a collective responsibility to protect each other during this pandemic by staying at home. Businesses which stay open and therefore encourage others to risk their health and the health of others will be forced to close.

"We know that this is a worrying time for many business owners and want to remind them that there are grants available for small businesses and those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector."

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