SCREEN SWITCH-OFF SCUPPERS BEACH

28-03-2008

The Stirrer has uncovered the full story of the decision to scrap Birmingham’s controversial beach – and it’s all due to the withdrawal of the BBC Big Screen from Chamberlain Square.

Although you might think the opportunity to loaf around in a deckchair was attraction enough, sponsors apparently though that giving punters the chance to watch live events such as Wimbledon was the real draw.

Once the screen was switched to Victoria Square it became impossible to attract financial backing.

Ironically the screen is still switched off in its new location following complaints about noise from workers in the nearby Waterloo House office block.

The Bullring which also operated a beach last year has already signalled that it was unwilling to repeat the experiment this year – although it may now review that decision given that it would now have no competition.