HOUNSLOW Council have given approval for the historic but vandalised Lucozade Headquarters to be pulled down to make way for a new Audi HQ - leaving campaigners angry that they failed to secure a permanent position for the well loved local landmark flashing neon sign.

Council officers say they are hoping that the sign can be stored until a suitable site is found, yet the Planning Officer was unable to assure this would happen.

Despite being a recognised West London monument, the Council has not made the sign a listed structure, nor are the site's 1950s buildings heritage listed.

They have fallen into disrepair and squatters have often set up home amongst the mounds of fly tipped rubbish.

They will now be replaced with a six-storey glass and aluminium building which will house Audi's regional and UK headquarters, including offices, showrooms and workshops. The planning proposals state that Audi has no interest in maintaining the famous sign on their new site.

A spokesman for Audi refused even to confirm that they were planning an HQ there - claiming the plan was top secret' - despite it featuring in the Times late last year.

Local residents have been angered by the Council's lack of action to keep the historic landmark.

Joseph Mirwitch, a spokesperson for the local group Twentieth Century Society, addressed the committee about the importance of the sign.

Following their decision he said: "By their refusal to make the retention of the Lucozade Sign a condition of the development package, Hounslow have sold the pass. Hounslow Council's empty expressions of regret at the taking down of this cherished landmark are sheer hypocrisy, as it was in the local authority's power to secure its future.

"This they neglected to do by failing to impose an appropriate planning condition on the use of the site."

And the society's caseworker, 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/A4 into London.

"It is not acceptable for Hounslow to express regret at the taking down of the sign when they should have required its re-erection as part of the redevelopment package," she added.