Dawley'wood' sign could become permanent

A Hollywood-style sign put up by pranksters on a Shropshire mound is one step closer to becoming a permanent fixture.

The Dawley sign in Telford hit the headlines in June when it was put up by protesters angry at the lopping of trees on site to make way for the future Dawley Sports and Learning Community.

Vandals partially demolished the sign but today its creators revealed a fundraising effort was under way to make it a permanent fixture.

The pranksters are also being backed by Great Dawley Parish Council member Councillor Shaun Davies in their bid to see the wooden sign replaced with something more permanent.

Ellen Davis, who along with five friends made the sign at home and put it up under the cover of darkness, said the group was prepared to go all the way to get the sign back up.

She said: "We are going to have another meeting to talk about approaching businesses for sponsorship for a more permanent sign.

"We are prepared to go through all of the correct planning channels but the sign was a protest and it is clear through the Facebook consultation that people want a permanent replacement.

"The group will now work hard with councillors to deliver that replacement.

"We would like to see schools get involved and maybe it could become a project for them."

Councillor Davies said: "It is a tough challenge to secure the planning permission and funds to deliver a permanent structure but the group, myself and the leader of Dawley Parish Council, are up for the challenge.

"Ideas include reproducing the Thomas Telford Sign, at the town centre, but it being a Dawley sign with Captain Webb or a miner alongside it, but it's early days.

"I would ask local business and individuals in Dawley and in surrounding areas to contact me if they wish to make donations or being involved in this community project.

"A temporary replacement is likely, once the developers erect the boards around the site and a public meeting will be arranged later this month to plan a way forward."

By Jason Lavan