Prankster Replaces Somerset Town Signs with French and Spanish Counterparts

A cheeky prankster has taken their mischief to an international level, swapping local town signs in Somerset with those from far-off cities in France and Spain. Residents of Midsomer Norton have been left puzzled after spotting signs directing them not to their own town but instead to Barcelona, Valencia, and Sallespisse—a small village in southwestern France.

On the A362, the usual “Welcome to Midsomer Norton” sign now points travelers toward Barcelona and Valencia, accessible via Spain’s longest road, the N-340. While these cities are indeed hundreds of miles away—approximately 720 miles from Midsomer Norton—the sign’s direction is oddly accurate. Nearby, another sign on Phyllis Hill welcomes visitors to Sallespisse, over 500 miles from the town.

This international twist is part of a larger prank that began last year, where signs from places like Camerton and Waterlip in Somerset and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset were found reappearing in entirely different towns, such as Bradford-on-Avon and Portland.

Authorities have expressed concern over the stunt. Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic stated that traffic signs belong to their respective highway authorities and that unauthorized removal or manipulation can pose serious safety risks. While they are unaware of how their signs ended up in the UK, they emphasize that such acts are irresponsible.

Locally, councils have been quick to condemn the prank as a costly nuisance. Frome Town Council remarked on the unnecessary expense and the potential damage caused during transport. Bath and North East Somerset Council confirmed they had removed the swapped signs and reported the incidents to the police. They encourage residents to report any suspicious signage through official channels.

Public opinion remains divided. Some find the prank humorous and praise the anonymous culprit as a “legend,” while others highlight the financial burden placed on already stretched council budgets. One resident noted the irony: laughing at the prank now but grieving over delayed repairs caused by misallocated funds.

While the whimsical signs may have brought a moment of amusement, the consensus among officials is clear—tampering with road signs is a costly and hazardous prank that local communities could do without.