A mysterious 'road sign swapper' that emerged after swapping a local sign has struck again, this time internationally.
The prankster has been leaving locals baffled with multiple signs mysteriously switched or replaced across the South West of England.
The prank appears to have begun last year when road signs reappeared in different areas, with those from Camerton, Somerset, and the Jurassic Coast, in Dorset, appearing in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire.
The sign for Bradford-on-Avon was found on Portland, Dorset, and a sign belonging to Waterlip, Somerset, popped up in nearby Midsomer Norton.
People arriving in Midsomer Norton were also being greeted by a ‘Welcome to Frome’ sign, while a sign for Kilmersdon went the other way - confusing people in Frome.
But now they have gone a step further by switching up town signs in Midsomer Norton in Somerset for those of cities in Spain and France up to 750 miles away.
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On the A362 in recent days, instead of a “Welcome to Midsomer Norton,” the sign on the way into the town instead directs people to Barcelona and Valencia via Spain’s longest road, the N-340.
Locals say the sign is actually pointing in the right direction, although Barcelona is another 720 miles away.
A further sign around the corner on Phyllis Hill welcomes drivers to Sallespisse, a small French village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, some 540 miles from Midsomer Norton.
Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic said ownership of traffic signs in the country belongs to the relevant highways authority. A spokesperson said they are unaware of how the road sign ended up in the UK or whether it has been reported as stolen.
They said: “In any case, beyond the anecdotal, the manipulation or removal of road signage poses an undeniable risk to road safety and constitutes irresponsible behaviour that can have serious consequences."
Midsomer Norton Town Council said despite the new signs appearing, it did not have any missing signs of its own currently.
Several councils have previously condemned the prank, saying it is a waste of public money.
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Frome Town Council said previously: "It's a sad sign of the times...Joking aside, it costs time and money to resolve this sort of thing - and it looks as though the sign has been damaged in transit."
Bath and North East Somerset Council had previously said it was looking into the initial swap and had reported it to the police.
One councillor said: "We are as baffled as the town council. We have removed this sign and several others that appeared in the local area over the weekend and reported the matter to the police.
“If anyone sees incorrect signs like this in our area, please report them to us using Fix My Street.”
The sign swaps have divided opinions amongst the communities, with some saying it is funny and others condemning it.
One said: "Whoever changed the signs is a legend.
One added: "May sound amusing but apparently this is costing our already bankrupt councils, who we fund through taxes, a fortune to keep replacing, so if you find it funny don’t complain next time you want a pot hole filled."
While another said: "I was crying laughing. I think it's bloody brilliant.
And another stated: "Whoever’s doing this, it’s not funny anymore. Was at the time."
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