Council apologises for putting 'Dead End' sign next to Cemetery Road

By ROBERT FOLKER, NEWS REPORTER Published: 14:45, 7 August 2026 | Updated: 14:58, 7 August 2026 A council has apologised for putting up a 'Dead End' sign next to a road that leads to a military graveyard. Residents were angered by the sign that was placed on the corner of Cemetery Road, which leads to Wimborne Cemetery, the final resting place for 44 fallen soldiers from the two World Wars. Given that there are roadworks and closures in the area, it was originally believed to be the work of a local prankster.  But Dorset Council has now confirmed the sign was placed there intentionally by a worker following concerns raised by residents of a separate road called Blind Lane. The Liberal Democrat-run council has apologised over the 'unfortunate' placement of the temporary sign, saying 'it was placed there with the best intentions'. The residents said a road closure on Blind Lane, 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. 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.  Locals were up in arms about the 'Dead End' sign that was placed on the corner of Cemetery Road It was originally believed to be the work of a local prankster but Dorset Council has now confirmed the sign was placed there intentionally by a worker '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.' Several passing motorists and residents took to social media to poke fun at the sign placement. Posting a picture of the sign, Jon Perry said: 'Cracking sign placement by Dorset Council.' 'They have a skeleton staff too,' Alan Galliott wrote, while Eileen Richardson added: 'Appropriately named'.