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It's not so much a case of “hang 10” as “hung 10” for users of this phallic-looking South Wales skateboard park which has been causing a stir ever since being spotted on online satellite images.

Eagle-eyed Google Maps users this week took to Facebook to discuss the Porthcawl facility’s cheeky shape after Gareth Bishop posted a picture and asked: “Anyone else notice the unfortunate design of the skate park?”

Others quickly chipped in with predictably wry comments, while Sean Bugsy Bingham noted: “Only in Porthcawl would you get a tarmac beach and a c***-shaped skate park.”

It is the latest example of unintentionally suggestive designs being spotted on sites like Google Maps and Google Earth.

8 satellite pictures to make Porthcawl feel better about its phallic skate park

But makers Maverick insist there was no (ahem) cock-up in the construction, rather the shape is one commonly used in the world of skate park design – and even has its own fruity name.

Designer Ian Jennings said: “The ‘c*** and balls’ design is a highly functional favourite of skateboarders worldwide and Porthcawl is certainly not unique in having its own piece of phallic skate architecture.

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“The fact Porthcawl has a version of this classic design is largely due to the input of some extremely well travelled and experienced skaters in the area.”

He added: “I remember the kink in the Porthcawl skate park plan was actually introduced to the design at a late stage to try to make it look less phallic.

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“We get these sort of comments a lot, unfortunately certain people seem to get really excited by a giant phallus. My response is usually that if yours is that shape you should probably have a chat with your GP!”

Porthcawl resident Ally Barr, 53, was a professional skateboarder in the 1970s and helped draw up the design which he claimed helped “assist a smoother ride”.

“Most people don’t actually notice the phallic likeness unless it’s viewed from above,” he added.

“It consists of four separate entities that all come together in to what’s known as a combi bowl, giving maximum satisfaction to the rider.”

Porthcawl Town Council described it as a “great facility”.

A spokeswoman said: “The Town Council, together with local people and organisations work to ensure that provisions are provided within the town for the residents and visitors in the area. The skate park is an example of the people in Porthcawl working together to produce a great facility for both the youth and adults within the town. The Town Council is extremely proud of this achievement and is delighted that it is still receiving so much interest nearly three years after its completion.”

The stir comes just months after residents in Merseyside were said to be worried about the value of their homes after it emerged their estate resembles a giant phallus when seen from above.

And in the US a Christian Science church in Illinois hit the headlines for the same reason.

Meanwhile, deliberate pranks have led to rude sightings on mapping sites, including a 2009 wheeze which saw huge phalluses drawn with weed killer onto the school lawns of Fairfield College in New Zealand.

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