Basildon 'Hollywood sign' out of action out after vandalism
It was due to light up to mark the Jubilee next month
A spate of vandalism means Basildon's iconic Hollywood style sign won't be lighting up to honour the Queen next month.
The leader of the council says the electric lighting system has been wrecked, meaning the sign can't be lit up in February to mark 70 years since Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen in 1952.
Basildon Council leader Andrew Baggott said:
"We light up the sign to support the NHS, and it turned gold for our amazing Olympians. We were due to change the colours for proclamation day but now we can't as some idiots have vandalised it.
"I am extremely disappointed. They have wrecked the electric system, it needs lots of work and parts ordered. The sign has become a beacon for us to say thanks to people who make our community great."
It's thought the sign would be out of action for six to eight weeks while the council waits for new parts.