Temporary TVs may be answer to costly screen
Temporary big screens could be hired for major city centre events to replace Leicester's permanent giant television.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby is deciding the future of the 10m high structure in Humberstone Gate.
-
It was donated to the city by Olympic organisers in 2009, to show major sporting and civic events, but mainly for this summer's London Games.
However, it costs the city council £105,000 a year to use.
****Best Deals**** Van Insurance for 17-24 Yr Old Drivers - Contact Insure365 on 01782 898188
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Friday, July 19 2013
Sir Peter is working out whether to keep it in place, relocate it or dismantle it entirely.
Since the Games it has been playing BBC programming on a loop.
Sir Peter said: "I am not convinced continuing to spend tens of thousands of pounds on it represents particularly good value for money."
He said he thought it had been well used during Christ in the Centre, the annual re-enactment of the Easter story.
He said: "The only time it comes into its own is Christ in the Centre at Easter when it works well as part of the performance.
"Other than that I am not sure about it. I don't know that a lot of people watch it.
"It might be that for performances like that we can bring in a big screen on the back of a lorry to use when we need it – as we did successfully when we had the wonderful Olympic Torch celebration at Abbey Park. That could be better. I'm not sure how it fits in with the revamp we have just done of Humberstone Gate East.
"When you look up the street from that area all you see is the back of a big box which makes a undecipherable noise."
Administrative assistant Sophia Megji, 36, from Countesthorpe, said she thought the screen should be kept. She said: "It's informative, people watch it, and it was great for the Olympics which I watched during my lunch hours. It's a social thing to have."
Retired Philip Waterton, 63, from Wigston, said: "When walking through to M&S you have a look, but it has not served a purpose for me.
"I can see why people would use it, but the money could be put to a better use."
Student Nicola Hopewell, 19, from New Parks, Leicester, said it made no difference to her .
She said: "I don't watch it except for sporting events like the Grand National."
Unemployed Daniel Moore, 21, from Thurmaston, said: "I don't care. It's a waste of money."
Comments
by georgeisafish
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 7:50PM
“Im surprised no one has complained, and the council forced to make it multi lingual? maybe they have? maybe it is? I haven't seen it.”
by buschka
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 6:54PM
“Renting a big screen for special occations seems a much better idea. Why couldn't they have thought of this in the first place ???”
by prog_rock_fan
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 4:38PM
“...And we need giant blaring televisions in the midst of our downtown WHY?”
by DBLeicester
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 3:12PM
“What a farcical waste of time and money this screen has been. It is costing £105,000 a year to run, for which I would love to see the accounts as to why. It wasn't allowed to be used for the football, for which it was intended originally, and it is still be debated over as to what to do with it. At £287 a day to keep the BBC channel on loop and SPS and his band of merry men sitting around the table in the ivory towers discussing what we should do with a giant TV - it sounds like a adolescent created fictional story, but unfortunately, this is 100% reality. You just could not make it up...”
by heisspartacus
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 11:37AM
“@ PLYMFOX01."Maybe use some of the money to put some seating there or something useful."
So the wino's (whine'os)
.”
by Jagomeister
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 11:21AM
“by bruno1Wednesday, November 07 2012, 10:50AM
"If you go to other cities with big screens the councils tend to put some form of seating there so you can watch it. Especially when sporting events are on. It has been put up very half heartedly with no thought on how people will use it. It really should be located in a square which we do not have in Leicester. The market would make a great square if it weren't for all the stalls."
A square that we do not have in Leicester. I fully agree. Mr Soulsby are you listening we need a square to relocate the big telly. Perhaps somewhere near the bbc building?”
by mattlcfc
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 10:56AM
“How much did it cost to install, how much would it cost to move or take down, how much would it cost to pull the plug when not in use, how much could be raised from advertising and let it become self sufficient, Mr soulsby please don't rush this desision like all the others,
It is already placed and could pay its own way if you had some imagination ,,
Another badly thought out council decision ,we I presume would have to pick up the bill of any plans you have for it,
Get some company's to advertise,I'm sure lcfc would pay to inform passing thousands of there next home game , there are plenty of businesses who would love a slot of advertising in such a prime location,
Think for once how to turn something into a positive instead of wondering how to move stuff and change stuff that will only cost council tax money”
by karinfall1955
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 10:50AM
“@llamalamb. Could not agree more. It is a monstrosity and barely receives a glance from bystanders.”
by bruno1
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 10:50AM
“If you go to other cities with big screens the councils tend to put some form of seating there so you can watch it. Especially when sporting events are on. It has been put up very half heartedly with no thought on how people will use it. It really should be located in a square which we do not have in Leicester. The market would make a great square if it weren't for all the stalls.”
by f007e
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 10:47AM
“'May be an answer'. What's the question? I don't really see the role of the council to provide TV's to the public, surely that's something for the private sector?”