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Offensive roadside sign sparks fury in Biddenden

00:00, 09 September 2015

updated: 09:01, 09 September 2015

A controversial sign warning people not to turn in a driveway has sparked fury among villagers... who say it is offensive and inappropriate.

The sign bearing the foul language appears along the A262 near Woolpack Corner in Biddenden and reads simply “NO F--KING TURNING”.

The driveway also has boulders and traffic cones placed on it to prevent motorists from using it as a turning point.

One passer-by said she felt horrified when she saw the sign written in bold black capital letters along the busy stretch of road.

She said: “It’s been up there for quite a few weeks and I just think it’s distasteful and wrong. I don’t think anyone should have a sign in their driveway which infers swearing.

“The house owners may think it is a bit of a joke and might be furious about people using their drive, but there are other ways to make the point to stop turning without being abusive to the thousands who use the road and see their sign.

“This is about standards and plain good manners and appropriate public behaviour, rather than inappropriate signage” - passer-by

Her concerns have been echoed by Biddenden Parish Council chairman Chris Friend who believes the sign could have a detrimental impact on the character of the village.

He said: “I received the email about it and I’m going to take a look. A polite sign saying ‘please don’t turn’ is one thing but this sign is totally out of order. It is not necessary.

“If we find out exactly who the person who lives where the sign is, we will be writing a strict and strongly worded letter urging them to take it down.

“Any sign like that could cause the possibility of accidents if drivers take their eyes off the road to look at it.

The owner has also cordoned off the driveway with cones and boulders.
The owner has also cordoned off the driveway with cones and boulders.

“A few years ago we had white graffiti in the road outside the church and it was cleared up by the highways within two days. This is the sort of thing we don’t need in our tourist season, or non tourist season for that matter.

“We will write a strongly worded letter and the next stage would be to contact our local police community support officer.”

The owner of the sign has not yet been tracked down for a comment.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR, email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk or join the debate on Facebook and Twitter @KentishExpress.

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