End of road for Lucozade M4 landmark

For more than 50 years the illuminated Lucozade sign has shone like a beacon over drivers entering London from Heathrow.

But today the iconic sign by the M4, which shows a bottle pouring its glucose-based nectar into a wineglass, has sparkled for the last time.

Lucozade owner's Glaxo SmithKline is taking down the rare example of Fifties neon after selling its headquarters.

Now the sign is to become a star exhibit at the Gunnersbury Park museum. Conservation group the Twentieth Century Society has greeted the sign's demise with dismay.

Spokesman Cordula Zeidler said: "The Lucozade sign merits protection as a public work of art as well as an important townscape feature.

"It is recognised with affection by literally thousands of motorists who pass it each day on their way down the M4 into London."

Glaxo SmithKline is seeking permission for a new Lucozade sign that will also be visible from the motorway.