Fowl play suspected as duck sign’s a landmark
IF YOU’VE ever driven down this road in Porthcawl, chances are you’ve spotted a rather unusual road sign.
Located towards the end of Newton Nottage Road – about a mile away from Trecco Bay beach – the red triangular sign is designed to warn motorists that ducks from a nearby pond may be on the road.
But look a bit closer and you might notice something a little strange.
That’s because the sign actually contains a black outline of a large duck being ridden by a man – with reins.
And according to people on social media, the sign has been there for decades – and has become a bit of a landmark in the area.
Commenting on a picture of the sign posted to the Porthcawl First Facebook group, Rachael Pitman wrote: “It’s been like it for years. Just someone being lighthearted.”
While Chris Booth said: “It’s been there since I was a kid. I’m 27 now. Love it personally and it still tickles me.”
And Jamie Paul wrote: “Iconic... It’s been there for over 20 years.”
Another member of the group Sandy Hoy also commented: “It has been there for years – really surprised it hasn’t been removed. But, I love it. Makes me smile as I go past every time.”
And it seems the sign has also been putting a smile on the faces of other local residents.
Posting to the group, another member, Sally Davis, said: “I love this makes me smile every time I go past,” and Denise Clare said: “I love that sign. I hope it never gets removed.”
“It’s part of Porthcawl and long may it stay, it makes me smile every time I see it,” Elly Yule also said. While Lucia Thomas wrote: “Love this sign. It makes me laugh every time,” and Steve Williams said: “It’s genius that’s what it is!”
The sign has also been a hot topic on local resident forums for a number of years – with some posts dating back more than 10 years.
After driving past the sign, a man posted to a local Digital Spy forum in 2010: “Earlier today we were driving into Porthcawl and I saw a red triangular road sign, containing a black outline picture of a large duck being ridden by a man.
“I spent the rest of the day being mocked by the other people in the car for having an elaborate imagination, for having momentarily fallen asleep and had a very vivid dream, or for having magic mushrooms for breakfast.
“In WHSmith, they even asked the assistant if he could point out this road sign in a copy of the Highway Code!
“Everyone found it vastly amusing at my expense.
“So please, please, will someone else tell me that they have seen this sign too – and what on Earth it is supposed to mean??”
Bridgend County Borough Council has been contacted for comment.