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Ham Sandwich sign in No Name Street, Sandwich moved after ‘trip hazard’ complaints

A town found itself in a pickle after a comical sign which became a tourist attraction had to be moved after complaints it was a “trip hazard”.

The Ham Sandwich sign, belonging to St Peter’s Church in Sandwich, has been on the corner of No Name Street and Delf Street since 2020.

Annemarie Higuen from St Peter’s Church in Sandwich is pleased the sign has a new location. Picture: Dan Friend
Annemarie Higuen from St Peter’s Church in Sandwich is pleased the sign has a new location. Picture: Dan Friend

It was made by a volunteer to encourage people into the town after Covid but quickly became a photography hotspot for replicating a road sign in West Street pointing to the village of Ham and Sandwich.

People flocked to get a slice of the action and a photo with the famous replica in the town.

But there were fears it would be lost forever after complaints were made to Sandwich Town Council that the sign was a trip hazard.

Annemarie Huigen, community coordinator for St Peter’s church said: ”It used to sit between a flower pot and a bin on the corner of No Name Street but some people didn't like that it was there.

“Every time we put it there, they moved it so we moved it back again.

“There were complaints to Sandwich Town Council that it was a trip hazard but I think it was because some people didn't want it there.

The original Ham Sandwich sign in West Street. Picture: Google
The original Ham Sandwich sign in West Street. Picture: Google

“It was quite annoying because nobody had come to me saying it was a trip hazard.”

Following the complaints, the sign was removed from the street and taken back inside the church.

But it wasn't inside for long.

When bosses at nearby No Name Shop heard of the news they offered the sign a new home meters away from its original location, between two planters opposite their shop.

Mrs Huigen said: “I’m really pleased it is back on display because it has a real big following.

“People would have their picture taken with it because of the iconic Ham Sandwich bit.”

The original location on the corner of No Name Street was deemed a trip hazard. Picture: Dan Friend
The original location on the corner of No Name Street was deemed a trip hazard. Picture: Dan Friend

Cllr Dan Friend (Con), ward member for Sandwich at Dover District Council, said: “We celebrate the triumphant return of the iconic replica 'Ham Sandwich' sign.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to Paula and Dave from the No Name Shop for offering the sign a new home on their property, reinforcing the spirit of community and supporting one another, which is one of the things that makes Sandwich so special.

“The overwhelmingly positive reception from our residents and visitors alike is a testament to the deep-rooted affection for this sign, now proudly reinstated.

“We love seeing photos taken with the sign and we’ve heard it has its own social media account.

The famous Ham Sandwich sign in West Street even has its own merchandise. Picture: Dan Friend
The famous Ham Sandwich sign in West Street even has its own merchandise. Picture: Dan Friend
Baubles of the famous Ham Sandwich sign are sold in the town. Picture: Dan Friend
Baubles of the famous Ham Sandwich sign are sold in the town. Picture: Dan Friend

“A further thank you to Cllr Dean Marie and Harry Sampson for helping to find this solution.

“The sign is a testament to enduring hospitality, welcoming visitors from all over the world to share our love for our town and with so much to see and do it should be a must-visit destination on everybody's list.”

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