Dorset Council has issued an apology after a 'Dead End' sign was placed at the entrance to Cemetery Road, which leads to Wimborne Cemetery, the resting place for 44 fallen soldiers from the World Wars. Residents expressed anger over the sign's placement, which initially led to speculation of a prank.
The council confirmed that a worker intentionally placed the temporary sign in response to complaints from residents of Blind Lane. Roadworks on Stone Lane, related to a housing development, had caused drivers to use Blind Lane as a shortcut, despite it lacking through access. This led to drivers needing to perform U-turns in a narrow section of Blind Lane.
A spokesperson for Dorset Council stated, "The sign was installed in response to concerns from residents of Blind Lane, who reported that drivers were attempting to use the lane as a shortcut to avoid the current closure on Stone Lane, related to the nearby housing development scheme." The spokesperson added, "Blind Lane has no through access and drivers were having to turn around in a narrow section of the lane."
The council acknowledged the "unfortunate combination" of the sign's placement and emphasized that it was intended to provide practical information to drivers. "While the positioning of the temporary sign has created an unfortunate combination, it was placed there with the best intentions to provide practical information to drivers," the spokesperson said. "We are sorry for any offence or upset this has caused."
The incident led to various reactions on social media, with some users making light of the situation. One social media user, Jon Perry, posted a picture of the sign, commenting, "Cracking sign placement by Dorset Council." Another user, Alan Galliott, wrote, "They have a skeleton staff too," while Eileen Richardson added, "Appropriately named."
