by Lynn Cox

lcox@thekmgroup.co.uk

Forget the Angel of the North or Mark Wallinger’s giant horse. When it comes to grabbing the attention of passing gas guzzlers the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California, leaves both glowering in the distance. The pull of the iconic showbiz sign has not been lost on council chiefs in Medway busy exploring ways to put Thames Gateway’s future city – rather than the five towns of Rochester, Rainham,
Gillingham, Chatham and Strood – firmly on the map. They would like to build a giant Hollywood sign of their own – albeit a shorter and more cost effective one – spelling out MEDWAY. If a feasibility study proves positive it could take pride of place
on fields overlooking the M2 and the Channel Tunnel rail link.

Last month a huge letter E was erected in Borstal, Rochester, as a trial run to gauge the sign’s impact and initial public reaction. For four days it stood like a giant, scaffolded scrabble panel puzzling Medway Valley neighbours and motorists alike before being take down early on April 21, at a cost of £2,000 to the taxpayer. Medway Council will now decide whether or not to press ahead with the plan. A Medway Council spokesman said: “[We] recently carried out an initial feasibility study which involved putting up scaffolding to attach a letter E on land overlooking the M2. “While people are familiar with the five towns very few outside the South East know where Medway is. “One of the challenges facing the council is to attract inward investment to Medway. “The Highways Agency has said it will not include Medway on its M2 motorway signage. “One idea suggested was to erect a Medway sign on the hillside overlooking this major route to the international ports. “Before deciding whether or not to pursue the idea this test using scaffolding and polyboard was carried out.” “If the project was thought viable the council would have to seek planning permission in the usual way. “At this stage no decision has been taken.”