A spelling gaff unintentionally led to a surge in trade for an advertising business.
But the sign inviting businesses to ‘adverise’ on a hoarding above the M62, next to Scammonden Reservoir, was no publicity stunt, according to its owner.
Steve Quinn, who runs Active Vehicles advertising service, says no-one noticed the typo because it was printed and installed in a hurry.
It was only when well-meaning motorists – and potential customers – started calling that he realised the sign had been printed incorrectly.
Mr Quinn, who runs the Shrewsbury-based business, said: “We had to put something up there quickly so we hurried one off and put it on the board. We photographed it and no-one noticed until we got back.”
With its prime spot above the motorway the hoarding is often in demand.
But the error led to even more calls.
Mr Quinn said: “We’ve had a lot of calls about it. It’s actually been more successful...
“They normally attract a lot of calls but this resulted in double.”
“We’ve had a lot of funny phone calls from people thinking they were the first to spot it.”
Sadly – or fortunately depending on your outlook – the hoarding has been booked and the misspelt sign will be replaced with an advertiser’s banner next week.
But it will be error free, Mr Quinn has promised.
He said: “We’ve double-checked the spelling this time!”
While the error attracted more potential customers Mr Quinn said he wouldn’t be using misspelled sings as a marketing ploy in future.
He said: “We won’t make it a regular thing.”
Mr Quinn added: “It proves the British public can spell.”
Active Vehicles and Liversedge farmer Graham France won a legal battle against Calderdale Council in 2010.
The council had attempted to prevent Mr France hosting an advertising trailer on his land at Windy Bank Farm, further east along the M62.
Calderdale Council had taken exception to green belt land being used for marketing purposes.
But the council ended up red-faced and tens of thousands of pounds poorer when their case was rejected by magistrates and after an unsuccessful appeal.
Have you seen any other amusing spelling mistakes around the town? Tweet them to @examiner or email editorial@examiner.co.uk
