A BUILDER saved the day at the unveiling of a new sign.

Colchester MP Will Quince was jumping up and down to try and dislodge the blue sheet covering Shrub End’s new sign after it got snagged.

The big reveal was saved when a van with a ladder on the roof was flagged down.

Pauline Hazel, borough councillor for Shrub End, who raised money for the sign with former councillor Mike Hardy, said: “For a few moments we were all thinking what on earth do we do now.

“As we pulled, the rope just came off the sheet.

“Will got stuck in immediately – he just jumped up at it.”

One of the people gathered to watch the unveiling spotted a van driving past with a ladder on the roof and waved the driver over.

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Mike Smith, of MJ Smith Builders, got his ladder and used it to hook the cover down.

He said: “I recognised Will and saw him struggling with it.

“I thought I would stop and offer a hand. I thought if I don’t they will be there all day.

“They all cheers and clapped. It was something a bit different from the usual building. I enjoyed it.”

Mr Quince said: “It was my first and probably the most memorable sign unveiling I will ever do.

“I think the report will say must do better.”

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The sign fundraising campaign was started in 2013, the 50th anniversary of Shrub End becoming a ward.

Businesses Taylor Wimpey, Aston Furniture, Kent Blaxill and Collier and Catchpole donated just less than £4,000 for the sign.

It shows a number of local references, including All Saints Church, roses and farm land which was bought by the council to build the new residential area.

Ms Hazel said: “It’s a huge ward now. We thought it would draw the community together.

“We’ve very grateful to the businesses for helping us.”