Basildon’S Hollywood-style sign still cannot be lit up at night – because too many roadworks are being carried out on the A127.

Four months after the eye-catching £90,000 sign went up at the A176 exit near Noak Bridge, the lights which are supposed to illuminate the sign after dark remain switched off.

The delay is being put down to worries it could overload power lines, due to Essex County Council carrying out a string of works to improve roads and pathways near the sign.

Simon Hughes, manager of Basildon Renaissance Partners-hip, said: “The lights have been installed, but there has been a delay connecting the lighting system to the National Grid.

“The delay has been caused by the number of contractors working along the A127.

“We are hopeful of resolving this with our contractors as soon as possible.”

Malcolm Buckley, Basildon councillor responsible for the environment, added: “It’s a shame there’s been a delay in switching the lights on, but the works have to take place.

“We are hoping the switch-on will be very soon. It’s going to look great when the sign is eventually lit up. It’s just as important to promote the town at night as it is during the day.”

The sign has helped put Basildon on the map and made headlines across the globe when it was installed in April.

However, thousands of people joined a Facebook site to criticise the sign when it was installed.

Basildon resident, Annie Smith, 50, of Wash Road, Noak Bridge, said: “I thought it was a waste of money at first, but I’ve got used to seeing it now.

“But I think it’s a bit of a gaffe that four months down the line it still isn’t lit up.”