Frank finds a hopeful sign . . . in Basildon
Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 31 March 2010
GLITZ and glamour . . . the Hollinwood sign that was removed by the Highways Agency
DREAMS of bringing a touch of Tinsel Town glamour to Hollinwood are still alive.
Local business man Frank Rothwell says a new sign on a major road in Basildon will add weight to his campaign for a similar sign on the M60 in Hollinwood.
The 5ft high letters on the A127, which links London to Southend, were put up to boost the Basildon Enterprise Parks and were funded by a grant from the Thames Gateway programme.
Frank first put the Hollinwood sign up in August, 2009, only for the Highways Agency to pull down the 8ft high letters, saying they were distracting motorists.
The council then granted planning permission for the sign but the Highways Agency refused Frank’s application.
Oldhamers were quick to get behind Frank’s campaign and Facebook group “Bring Back the Hollinwood Sign” soon attracted hundreds of supporters.
Frank, who owns Manchester Cabins, is determined to stay positive despite the latest refusal by the Highways Agency for permission to build a Hollinwood sign on the motorway embankment.
Frank said: “The sign in Basildon gives my campaign more credence and credibility as well as adding strength to my negotiations with the Highways Agency.
“I think the Basildon sign is brilliant and will be a real boost for the area. It is on a dual carriageway so I think this will help my case.
“I will now be taking more professional advice from lawyers and consultants to push the vision for the sign forward.
“I want to put Oldham on the map and the sign would be the perfect way to welcome visitors to the town and give us something to be proud of.
“I will never give up on the drive to bring the glamour of Hollywood to Hollinwood. It feels like I am climbing a big ladder and I am not sure how high it is but I will not back down.”
A spokesperson for the Highways Agency said: “The Basildon sign is not a trunk road so it is nothing to do with the Highways Agency. Basildon Council have granted permission for the sign to go up. It is completely different to the situation in Hollinwood and we still have very strong reservations about the sign going up on the M60.”
