Sign points way to controversy

Apr 24 2008 by Kerry-Lynne Doyle, Glamorgan Gazette

A SIGN is causing red faces after being translated incorrectly into Welsh.

Rotary International Way, the name given to the Bridgend Northern Distributor Road that runs out of town, has been translated as Heol Rotari Cenedlaethol, which means Rotary NATIONAL Way.

Coun Maisie Williams highlighted the mistake in Monday’s meeting of Bridgend Town Council.

Coun David Unwin said the council would ask Bridgend County Borough Council to replace the sign.

Supermarket giant Asda has also been criticised for a bilingual sign at its new Bridgend store, spotted by Garth Oelofse of Heol Cae Glas, Tondu.

The English half of the sign offered free parking for shoppers spending £5 in-store.

But on the Welsh half of the sign, the minimum spend increased to £7.50!

An Asda spokesman said the sign was removed immediately the mistake was reported, adding: “There is no reason why there should be a difference in charge.

“Needless to say the temp who converted the charge into the Euro for Wales – and this is where the “seven” figure comes from – is no longer with us!”