UNHAPPY customers have complained about the quality of the work they have received at a new tattoo parlour.

Clients of Cazmik Tattoos and Hair in Willington, County Durham, claim they have been left with amateurish and fading artwork, as well as nerve damage – with one man’s tattoo becoming so badly infected that his doctor advised him to take a test for hepatitis and HIV.

Complaints have been made to Trading Standards about the ability of tattoo artist Carol Edgecombe.

Hygiene at the parlour, which opened in May, has also been questioned. But when a Trading Standards Officer visited earlier this month, hygiene levels were found to be satisfactory.

Durham County Council has also confirmed Ms Edgecombe is a registered tattoo artist.

The Northern Echo contacted Ms Edgecombe but she has yet to comment.

It is understood she also runs a hair salon and tattoo parlour in Eldon Lane and told customers she had 25 years’ experience.

Kim Thompson, 31, and Shauna Ross, 26, were both impressed by Ms Edgecombe’s friendly manner, knowledge and illustrations.

“She seemed to know what she was talking about and I trusted her,” said Miss Thompson, from Willington.

“I wanted to get an old tattoo on my back covered up. I knew something wasn’t right when I was there. I’ve had tattoos before but I’ve never known pain like it and had to ask her to stop.

“When I got home and looked at it in the mirror I burst into tears. She wanted me to go back but I’m not letting her anywhere near my body. I feel so embarrassed and I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

Miss Ross, meanwhile, has been left with a fading, wobbly dream catcher design with feathers that look more like thistles.

Tattoo enthusiast Kevin Weatherald, 42, went to Cazmik for a small cancer charity ribbon on his thumb.

“She went in too deep and it became so badly infected that I had to go to the doctors,” he said.

“He insisted I get tested for HIV and hepatitis. It’s disgusting. I feel violated and, as you can see, it’s a mess.”

The Northern Echo also spoke to Robert Sample, from Willington, and Barbara Walker, from Sunnybrow, who were both less than impressed with tattoos they claim to have received at Cazmik.

Ms Walker, 37, said: “It’s a shame it’s had to come to this. She seems like a lovely woman but she shouldn’t be tattooing people.”

Michael Yeadon, the council’s health protection manager, said Trading Standards would continue to monitor the business.

He advised anyone concerned about the quality of workmanship of a tattooist to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454-040506.