A sign which appeared in a Norwich to London train carriage, suggesting passengers only flush the toilet at Ipswich station
Loodunnit?! Norwich pranksters suspected of spoof sign encouraging people to only flush a train toilet in Ipswich
Paul Geater
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
3:51 PM
Ipswich MP Ben Gummer: “The good people of Norwich clearly have issues with their continence.”
Prank signs advising train passengers to only flush a toilet at Ipswich Station have appeared on a Norwich to London service.
And Norwich rail users are under suspicion for bringing the craze, which has been sweeping the London Underground for weeks, to our region’s trains after it was spotted on Greater Anglia’s carriages.
Bosses at the rail firm will be forced to spend more than a penny to clear up after this sign appeared aimed firmly at Ipswich.
Spotted in the toilet of a rush hour InterCity train from Norwich to London on Monday morning, the fake notice states: “Press handle downwards to flush. Do not use in stations, except in Ipswich.”
The spoof notice has attracted huge interest after being posted on social network site Twitter.
Ipswich MP Ben Gummer was amused to see the sign, but understood the irritation felt by Greater Anglia bosses over what they see as vandalism.
However, he could not resist taking a pot-shot at his Norfolk neighbours.
Mr Gummer said: “The good people of Norwich clearly have issues with their continence. If they’re caught short, I’d advise them if possible to use the facilities in the station, with its hot and cold running water, paper and a seat – luxuries not always available north of the Waveney.
“If they can’t make it off the train then the best I can do is remind them of the old British Rail gents notice: ‘we aim to please; you aim too please’.”
Stephen Dunn, who saw the sign, tweeted: “Has Greater Anglia got something against Ipswich?”
Mr Dunn gave details of which coach he had seen the offending sign in and a spokesman for the rail company said cleaners would be instructed to clear any authorised signs.
The Greater Anglia spokesman added: “We will take appropriate action towards anyone who is found to have defaced information or safety notices, in the same way we take a robust stance in responding to any incidents of graffiti.”
He was not aware of any widespread problems of prank stickers appearing on the region’s trains – but said staff would be told to look out for them and remove any that they saw.
The identity of the sticker culprit remains a mystery – although some suspect the fact that the train started its journey in Norwich could be a factor.
London Underground staff have been unimpressed by the number of prank signs turning up over recent weeks.
British Transport Police said it would be looking to prosecute anyone found putting up guerilla stickers on trains or stations.
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10 comments
It's signs like these that confuse my dear old mum. Disgraceful. Regards, Whiley
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Whiley Boy
Friday, October 26, 2012
I think it's a sound proposition and I support the suggestion. I'm even considering a return train ride to London so I can have two goes at blowing one out while passing through Ipswich.
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Urbancommander
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Surely the most worrying thing though is that people need instructions on how to flush a toilet?
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David Hardy
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
See also http:stickersonthecentralline.tumblr.compost6179385858on-31st-august-1997-passengers-should-seek
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NchNthMan
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Almost as amusing as the town signs to Diss once having the D replaced with a P on an early Sunday morning. Needless to say they remained for a good week.
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Marigold
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
These carriages are so old, shabby and grubby it will be easy to spot any new stickers which appear. If only the company could devote time to fixing the seats, carpets, lighting, internal doors. Too much to hope for.
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a fine city
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Quality though isnt it?
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Scott Macleod
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
I just googled "london underground fake signs" and looked for images, and must say they are very well done and look prrofessional. True, if they are safety signs, then tut-tut. Otherwise get a life! They make a dull journey a bit more fun if they make people smile.
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markt74
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
"Mr Dunn gave details of which coach he had seen the offending sign in and a spokesman for the rail company said cleaners would be instructed to clear any authorised signs." - cleaners instructed to remove authorised signs, presumably leaving the unauthorised signs alone?
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Frank Fryup
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Typical MP, good joke, but could it not have been someone from Colchester? They also have a rivalry with Ipswich and the train stops there too! Seems Mr Jewell has been using the handle and flushing away Ipswich Towns hopes.
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Piranha24
Wednesday, October 24, 2012