Dawley Hollywood-style sign can stay temporarily

Chris Hoofe (right) said it was put up "under the cover of darkness"

A Hollywood-style sign above a Shropshire town can stay for the foreseeable future despite it being illegal, a council has said.

The 4ft "Dawley" sign was erected without permission, Telford and Wrekin Council said.

But Councillor Eric Carter said the sign was put up in a "light-hearted spirit" and would stay up for now.

He said he thought of the idea because the the hill was "sparse and barren" since trees were were chopped down.

He said: "When I looked at it I thought it reminds me of the Hollywood sign, the hill, how barren and sparse that is.

"We sat and chewed it over probably for a good month or so and eventually we said 'Bank Holiday Monday, why not?'

"We snuck up on Saturday night under the cover of darkness and we got away with it until now."

The council said the site was earmarked for a new school to be built there but it was not yet known when building work would start.

Councillor Eric Carter, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said the authority was satisfied there was no public safety issue.

He added: "While the lettering does contravene planning conditions and will ultimately have to be taken down, we recognise that it has been erected in a good-natured, light-hearted spirit.

"It has also been very well received by residents and helps to promote Dawley.

"Additionally, it is not promoting any commercial venture or business and we have taken that into consideration."