A COMMUNITY stalwart in Wimborne has pointed out that the misspelling of the town's name on the road sign along the A31 is not the first time that this error has happened. 

Eagle-eyed resident Anthony Oliver noticed some years ago that National Highways had misspelt Wimborne - as Wimbourne - on a road sign not far from the current one recently installed between the junctions of Verwood and Ringwood. 

At one point, he added, a sign was erected without Wimborne in it at all. 

Mr Oliver, who has lived in Wimborne for 38 years, said: “This is the second time they have misspelled Wimborne. A sign was put up some years ago in the same area and it was misspelt. 

Read more: Can you spot what is wrong with this road sign along the A31?

“At one point they also completely forgot to mention Wimborne at all. It was only added when residents asked them to put it up.  

“When they put up the gantry originally, we had to ask them to put it right.” 

Mr Oliver said National Highways, who made both mistakes and has promised the contracted company responsible will amend it, should have learned from its past mistake. 

“I can understand why they may have made the mistake, as there are a lot of places with a mix of ‘Os’ and ‘Us’, like Bournemouth, Sherborne and Springbourne, which can make it confusing sometimes,” Mr Oliver added.  

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“But whilst one accepts it the first time, to get it wrong the second time is a bit silly. 

“We’ve lived here for 38 years and we want people to come to Wimborne Minster.” 

Last week, we reported on the misspelt road sign along the A31.  

National Highways said the taxpayer will not be paying for the repair, which involved removing two blocks in the sign. 

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A spokeswoman said: “The projects are managed through a series of contracts whereby project costs are closely monitored. 

“The cost of the new sign, which is part of the overall project, is included within the scheme. 

“The new sections of the sign required to amend the error will not impact the overall cost of the project.”