A ROMSEY man has spoken of his confusion over a sign directing people to the railway station.

The sign is near the Plaza Theatre and is currently pointing left along Winchester Road, then Alma Road.

However, local resident Mike Franklin said it would be easier if the sign was rotated 90°, taking people a shorter route towards Mountbatten Avenue.

Mr Franklin, of Winchester Road, said: “It's not very helpful if you’re a visitor to the town, hurrying back to the station – I wonder how many people have missed their train as a result.

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“When I noticed this and contacted the County Highways department back in October. I expected the error to be corrected quickly as all it takes is to loosen two screws and rotate the existing sign on its post.

“County Highways’ reply started off well, acknowledging that 'There is a path that leads to Mountbatten Avenue that does connect with Station Approach,' but went on to say, 'The direction sign system appears to direct pedestrians via Alma Road which also leads to Station Approach. The direction is not incorrect as the station can be reached via either route.' 

“Well, yes, the station can be reached via Alma Road, turning right off Winchester Road, but people wouldn’t know they need to turn right, as there is no sign at the Alma Road/Winchester Road junction to tell them. It is also further – rather like sending you to Winchester via Stockbridge.

“If the county has this much trouble with a simple problem, one wonders how they manage with complex ones.”

A spokesman for Hampshire County Council said: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have passed this to the relevant Highways team who will investigate in due course.”