A plan to project advertising electronically onto Keswick’s Moot Hall is being pursued following a decision by the town council to prohibit the use of promotional banners on the building.
It follows a scare about six weeks ago when a quoin masonry block, to which an advertising banner was attached, outside Bryson’s bakery in Main Street, was pulled partially out by one of the catenary wires.
The board of Battersby Hall Charity, which owns the Moot Hall, and Keswick Town Council have ruled that the banners on the side of the listed building present a continuing danger to the public and will, as a result, cease to be used for that purpose.
It means there is no means of advertising upcoming local events such as what is on at The Theatre by the Lake or Kendal Museum or marking significant national happenings like Remembrance Day.
To address the issue, the charity is informally investigating the idea that the large false window on the south elevation of the Moot Hall, above the main entrance, might be used for an electronic projection for town, local or Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) events and promotion.
It could include poppies in November or a Union Jack at times of national celebration.
“This is just at an investigative stage right now, and none of us are really sure whether it’s feasible,” said Councillor Tony Lywood, chairman of the charity.
“They did it in Carlisle and in Durham Cathedral to really good effect and if done properly it could look great.
“It’s not going to be an advertising hoarding for commercial activities.
“It will be for community and town use and will only be used in the hours of darkness and turned off at a reasonable hour. It may have no legs whatever but it might.”
A demonstration is to be carried out in September and if residents like the idea, an application for planning permission will be made to the LDNPA.
