Amy Winehouse signs snatched – Plan to give felt-tip tributes to star’s family is hit by overnight thefts

Published: August 4, 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

CAMDEN Council planned to give street signs that have been daubed with Amy Winehouse tributes to the singer’s family – but four of them have been stolen before they got the chance.

Souvenir-seekers are thought to have pounced overnight this week in Camden Square, ­Camden Town. The number of people turning up in the road each night has dropped off. It is understood a fifth sign was saved from being pinched by an alert security guard watching Ms Winehouse’s house.

The Back To Black star was found dead at her home 11 days ago and a mass of tributes from fans which formed part of a shrine in Camden Square have been collected by her parents, Mitch and Janis.

Dead flowers have been mulched at Waterlow Park and vodka bottles – the alternative memento left by some music fans – have been taken for recycling.

That leaves the street signs which have been covered in black felt-tip pens.

After discussions with Ms Winehouse’s family, the council had decided to hand the nameplates over to them – given the number of messages left on them.

But thieves have got their first and already made off with some of them. Replacement signs – which cost the council £250 each – were due to go up in the next six weeks.

Discussions have already been held over how fans can be ­discouraged from simply ­marking the new signs with fresh messages, as has often happened in Liverpool at important sites connected with the Beatles, such as Penny Lane.

A Town Hall spokeswoman said: “The council is aware that street signs in Camden Square have been removed without ­permission.

“Since Amy Winehouse’s ­passing, fans have left messages on the signs, with the remaining street signs being given to the family.

“Officers are now in the process of organising replacements, which will take four to six weeks. The council will continue to monitor the situation.”

The spokeswoman added that the council was looking at how it may help with a permanent memorial to the singer.

“Camden Council is aware that there have been suggestions made as to what might be ­appropriate as fitting tributes to Amy Winehouse within the ­borough and conversations are still ongoing,” a statement said.

“No suggestions or plans have been agreed.”