A COUNCIL blunder led to a roadsign warning coaches from driving through a small road being translated to a ban on sports coaches rather than the four-wheeled variety.

Idris Charles, of Malpas, spotted the incorrect translation from English to Welsh on a sign on Malpas Road that reads: "No access to coaches".

The Welsh translation - Dim mynediad ar gyfer Hyfforddwyr - uses the form of coaches in a sporting context instead of referring to vehicles.

The council identified the mistake, but instead of replacing the word "hyfforddwyr", it was changed into its correct spelling after the initial word was spelt incorrectly.

The council have apologised for the incident.

Mr Charles said: "It appears that the laziness in our modern age of relying on the internet to answer all of our questions is the cause. It's a disgrace that they've got this wrong.

"The height of laziness and disrespect for the Welsh language demonstrated in one simple sign is unbelievable, and an insult to the thousands of children learning the language and undermines the hard work of their teachers.

"People already think that spending money on Welsh signs is costly but it wouldn't need to be if they got it right the first time round.

"The council should be brought to task on this matter."

A spokesman for Newport council said: "Newport City Council would like to apologise for the mistake on this temporary sign which was put in place following an urgent request.

"It was designed to deter coaches (the vehicles) from using a residential street as a pick up and drop off point, predominantly for those using nearby sports grounds."

"We acknowledge the wrong word was used in the Welsh version and this will be rectified in the permanent sign but hope that the message has still helped to alleviate a problem which was causing a nuisance to local residents."

More Welsh wrongs

The latest Welsh translation blunder comes after insurance company Admiral apologised to a customer who was told every conversation had to be recorded in English.

Gwion Schiavone has since taken his complaint to Welsh language commissioner Meri Huws.

An Admiral spokeswoman said: "A customer was told in error that all calls must be conducted in English and we were unable to talk to him in Welsh but this is not the case."