LOCALS are up-in-arms about a “dead end” road sign which was put outside a military graveyard, as the council issues an apology over the blunder.

The “unfortunate” placement of the sign on a street corner had raised eyebrows in the market town of Wimborne, Dorset.

Dorset council have apologised over the ‘unfortunate’ sign Credit: BNPS

The temporary sign was placed on a road leading to a military cemetary Credit: BNPS

As there are road works and closures in the area it was originally believed to be the doing of a local prankster.

But the Liberal Democrat-run Dorset Council have now confirmed the sign was placed there intentionally by one of their workers following concerns raised by residents of a separate road called Blind Lane.

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The residents said a road closure relating to a nearby housing development scheme had led to their lane being used as a shortcut, when it has no through access.

This had resulted in drivers having to u-turn in a narrow section of the lane.

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The sign was originally thought to have been put up by a prankster Credit: BNPS

Dorset council has appologised for the error Credit: Alamy

Cemetery Road leads to Wimborne Cemetery, which is the final resting place for 44 fallen soldiers from the two World Wars.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “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.

“Blind Lane has no through access and drivers were having to turn around in a narrow section of the lane.

“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.

“We are sorry for any offence or upset this has caused.”

Passing motorists and residents took to social media to poke fun at the sign placement.

One person who wasn’t amused wrote on Facebook: “It’s going to cause chaos and massive traffic jams.

“Stone Lane closed at junction with West Borough until 4 Sept and single lane on West Borough with traffic light control.

“Good luck to anyone trying to get to/from Blandford or Cranborne.”

However, many others saw the funny side.

Jon Perry said on another Facebook group: “Cracking sign placement by Dorset Council.”

Alan Galliott said: “They have a skeleton staff too.”

Eileen Richardson said: “Appropriately named.”