Titanic scene could be perfect for roundabout
AN iconic scene from blockbuster Titanic could soon be re-enacted on a North Devon roundabout if the latest idea to liven up the area goes ahead.
In September Westward Ho! businessman Rob Braddick suggested the Heywood Roundabout, on the A39, should have a giant deckchair put on it to symbolise the seaside resort.
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KINGS OF THE WORLD: Graham "Eddie" Wright and Gareth Evans on the prow of a boat they hope to see on the Heywood Roundabout. Picture: Rob Tibbles. To order this photograph call 0844 4060 269 and quote Ref: BNRT20121116A-003_C
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MEN AT WORK: Appledore's dry dock is very busy. Picture: Rob Tibbles. Ref: BNRT20121116A-010_C
At the time the idea received mixed responses and has yet to progress further.
But now Gareth Evans, from FTD Marine, which runs Richmond Dock in Appledore, has a new idea.
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He wants to see the bow of the Anneliese, one of the two fishing trawlers which have been dismantled at the dry dock, on the roundabout with its railings intact much like what is shown during the scene when Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet stand on the bow of Titanic during the film.
FTD Marine has just finished dismantling the vessel and now needs to straighten the railings on the bow and paint it before it would be ready for the roundabout.
It is one of the two first vessels to be brought into the dry dock when it reopened in September after 40 years.
Mr Evans said: "In this area there are a lot traditional sea-going ports and Appledore should be shown off.
"It is the shipping industry which is so important and I feel we should all support it and, having a symbol like the bow of a ship will help do that.
"I am willing to donate the bow of the ship from Richmond, which I estimate is worth about £500-600, I don't want to see it going to scrap."
Mr Braddick thinks his idea to have a giant surfboard is the best so far.
He said: "I think a surfboard is modern and shouldn't be a problem with visibility on the roundabout.
"The deckchair is a bit more old fashioned and the visibility will be less.
"I am not sure about the part of a ship, it might look like a tsunami has hit – but whatever floats his boat.
Torridge district councillor and Northam town councillor Roger Johnson is part of a joint working group which is deciding how to spend the town and parish fund for both Northam and Bideford.
The group is hoping to spend some of the £27,000 fund on a project for the roundabout.
Mr Johnson said the group made up of Northam and Bideford town councillors met for the first time to discuss the idea on Thursday.
Members were due to have a meeting with Devon County Council's highways department today.
He said: "I quite like the sound of the boat, I think it could look good.
"I want people coming over the Torridge bridge to be encouraged to stop off and have lunch or something by having something eye-catching on the roundabout.
"Highways are concerned about the safety aspect so we are discussing the possibilities with them."
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