Paul Merton

A council has admitted making a mistake over a new footway colour scheme, described variously by residents as a " snotty colour green" and " hideous".

The resurfaced path on Custom House Quay, Weymouth, even drew the attention of The Bbc 's Have I Got News For You , where it was compared to Mushy Peas .

Dorset Council apologised and said it would correct the walkway's surface.

The Council 's head of highways said he was " bitterly disappointed" by the mistake.

Ray Bryan added: " Unfortunately when we set The Shade of paint there was an error made on the coding sent to the supplier.

" This is our mistake. We've apologised for it. "

When The Green colour was unveiled in April, The Council initially said it was the permanent colour. It Then said it was only a base colour, before admitting " Human Error played a part in a mix up".

The Surface will be changed to " more of a sandy colour and in keeping with the surroundings" by The End of May.

Mr Bryan told The Bbc : " We've done a full investigation to make sure we get all the facts right which is why we have different stories Coming Out .

" But we now have the full story, which is why yesterday we apologised, because it turns out it's our mistake, and we will deal with it. "

Major work to resurface and improve the harbour route began in October.

It is being funded by The Department for Transport through a grant of £438,000, with £59,000 going towards The Painting and imprinting.

" I feel confident we'll be able to redo The Work within the current budget, " Mr Bryan said.

The debacle was immortalised on the latest edition of the extended version of the Have I Got News For You panel show, on this occasion presented by Richard Ayoade .

The episode quoted Dorset councillor Louie O'Leary, who described the walkway as " Shrek Green".

Discussing the somewhat parochial item on The Show , Ayoade joked to an unimpressed Paul Merton : " I said in The Meeting earlier, this news needs to go up top. "

Source of news: bbc.com