Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Street sign gaffes spell confusion
BAFFLED residents of Westonsuper-Mare have accused a council of making multiple spelling errors on road signs.
At least four signs are believed to be incorrect.
Some residents say the mistakes are funny, while others say it is “typical council incompetence”.
The errors include Becket Road, which is also spelt with two Ts on one sign, and Queen’s Way – which is spelt three different ways.
Austen Drive is spelt with both an E and an I only a few hundred yards apart, while Ryecroft Avenue is spelt with and without an E in a separate area of town.
North Somerset Council said it was “aware” of the issue on Becket Road and was “checking” the other signs.
Commenters on social media say the errors have caused problems and can make giving directions complicated.
One said: “I noticed the Becket/ Beckett signs years ago as I turn into
it most days. It was hard to miss considering they were literally opposite each other.
“I found it quite funny and put a photo on my Facebook profile, and a friend told me that Queen’s Way, which Becket Road is off, also showed as Queensway – so I went and had look.
“I then realised there were three spellings all at the same roundabout – Queens Way being the third variation.
“So I started paying more attention to signs and noticed there were more and more mistakes.
“People have mixed reactions – many find it hilarious, and typical of our council, whereas some think it’s total incompetence, and don’t see the funny side at all.”
Another Weston resident said online: “Sums the council up in one word – which is unprintable!”
And a third added: “Someone had a few too many when this was done!”
North Somerset Council said: “We’re aware of the mis-spelt sign at Becket Road and this is being rectified.
“Thank you for making us aware of these other inconsistencies.
“We’re checking the correct spellings and if any signs need to be altered, we will raise this issue with our contractors.
“We’re always grateful to residents for reporting things to us so that we can deal with them as necessary.
“Should anyone like to report any issues to us, they can do so on our website at
or by calling us on 01934 888 88.”