PLANS by Falmouth University to turn Woodlane into Falmouth’s own Hollywood Hills, complete with an “iconic” sign, seem to have gone down with residents like several large lumps of concrete.

Top bods at the university seem to be under the impression that the townspeople would enjoy the “gift” of a large entrance sign, the higher education equivalent of a grey 1.2 metre high Dunroamin’ plaque, stuck slap bang in the middle of a residential area. The one flaw in their logic being that they seem not to have actually consulted anyone (and best not to mention planning permission).

Ever a man of the people, the Skipper has to ask why it seemed necessary, apart from the fact it’s right opposite campus, to have such a large sign saying “Falmouth” in the centre of the town. If you get to that point and do not know what town you are in, you passed ‘lost’ a while back.

They say it will help the students, but if they cannot navigate their way around a map, or a smartphone app, however did they pass an entrance exam?

Perhaps instead the money would have been better invested in smartening up the actual entrance to the campus.

I don't agree with those critics calling the sign ugly, but perhaps one of the roundabouts entering the town would have been a better site, for a truly “Hollywoodesque” look.

Perhaps the university can ponder the problem next year, but for now I wish a Merry Christmas to them, and to you all.