While Swanage has opted for discreet social distancing messages on its pavements, Wareham has plumped for more eye-catching images to drive the message home.
The stencilled signs have been provided by Dorset Council through a government grant to support the safe reopening of high streets and have been popping up all over the county.
Swanage’s pavements have been stencilled with a short message
Fearing that the west side of the causeway bridge in Wareham was too narrow for people to pass at a safe distance, the council decided to instigate a one way pavement system by guiding pedestrians to walk across on one side and back on the other.
The markings have attracted quite a bit of attention from residents, but possibly not entirely for the right reasons.
Wareham’s eye-catching markings
Distinctive new signs
The organisers of Wareham Wednesdays, who organise free community events in the town, were quick to spot the distinctive new signs, posting on their social media page:
“As Kenneth Williams would say, ‘Ooh Matron’.
“These new pavement markings are looking a bit peculiar.”
Councillor Laura Miller, Portfolio holder for adult social care and health at Dorset Council, jokingly responded:
“We didn’t think the stencils through clearly enough if I’m honest.”
