A recent spate of amusing road marking errors has sparked a warm and humorous rivalry between two market towns in the Forest of Dean.
Last week, residents in Cinderford noticed that the newly painted charging bays in Station Street bore the incorrect phrase “electric vehicels only”. This misspelling quickly drew attention in the town.
Not to be outdone, Lydney was found to have its own spelling error on its electric vehicle parking spaces. Lydney Mayor Tasha Saunders took the mistake in stride, promptly informing Gloucestershire Highways while maintaining a lighthearted outlook.
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“Well, it seems that anything Cinderford can do, we can too,” she quipped.
“Thanks to a resident who sent me these photos, and I can confirm they’re not AI-generated. They are genuine. Looks like we are also taking part in the Forest spelling contest.”
Speaking to Gloucestershire Live, Mayor Saunders admitted the blunder had provided a moment of levity. “Yes, it is a bit of a waste of money as the markings will need to be redone, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s made us laugh. My own spelling mistakes are legendary, so I swear half of Lydney probably think I did that job!”
Reform UK Councillor Donaghue also joined in the good-natured banter, suggesting that Lydney may have “outdone” Cinderford this time. He mused if Coleford might join the friendly competition.
“It’s really made us chuckle. Obviously, it’s a mistake and not something desirable as it costs money to fix. But I know that the highways team work extremely hard, especially in this heat, so I think we can all appreciate the humour in this situation,” said Councillor Donaghue.
Gloucestershire County Council was contacted for further comment. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Harris, cabinet member for highways at Shire Hall, confirmed that the spelling mistake in Cinderford had already been corrected and expressed gratitude to Councillor Donaghue for highlighting the issue to the council.
This light-hearted exchange highlights the friendly community spirit and good humour prevailing in the Forest of Dean, even when faced with minor mishaps such as these.