Crusading Frank adds some festive sparkle

Reporter: MARINA BERRY
Date online: 10 December 2009

THE razzle-dazzle of Tinseltown has come to Hollinwood — thanks to the crusade of a local business man.

Frank Rothwell, who owns Manchester Cabins, put Hollinwood firmly on the map when he fought a battle to bring his own version of the famous “Hollywood” sign to the M60 embankment.

The 8ft high letters were removed by highways bosses who branded them a danger, but Frank was hailed a hero and invited to perform Hollinwood’s festive lights switch-on.

So he brought a further touch of LA glamour to the area yesterday when he flipped the switch to the 1,000 bulbs which lit up yet another mock up version of the famous Hollywood hills landmark.

Engineering diploma students from Kick Start, Derker, worked with Manchester Cabins to create the Christmas “Hollinwood” sign, which is now ablaze with glory at the Woodman pub.

A delighted Frank said he was honoured to accept the switch-on invitation.

He said: “It’s an opportunity to keep the dream of putting the main sign on the motorway alive.”

The sign is around one-quarter of the size of the M60 embankment lettering, but Frank dubbed it a major spectacle and said it was “absolutely fantastic.”

The switch-on was witnessed by a throng of people who gathered around the Christmas tree on the old Roxy cinema site to sing carols and welcome the festive period.

Frank is continuing his fight for a full-sized version of the sign on the M60 embankment following support from hundreds of Evening Chronicle readers and Facebook users. Oldham Council granted planning permission in October but the Highways Agency will not allow it on its land.