Bid to block 'eyesore' billboard

Promoters say the Sandwell Icon could be as famous as the Angel of the North

Neighbours have started a petition against what they said would be Europe's largest billboard planned for beside a motorway in the Black Country.

Developer Opus Land wants to build an 85m (278ft) high and 100m (328ft) wide structure called The Sandwell Icon beside the M6 in Wednesbury.

The company said the billboard sculpture could be as famous as the Angel of the North.

But some neighbours who started a petition said it would be an eyesore.

People who would have to live near the structure said it would disrupt the community and tower over their homes.

The company said it was a commercial venture that could bring in about £1m in advertising revenue per year and make the Black Country internationally renowned.

The developer also said it had agreed compensation with five houses in Shelton Close that would be in direct line of sight of the structure.

Sandwell Council's Planning Committee is due to make a decision on the plans next month.