EAGLE eyed shoppers “flagged up” a problem — after workmen replaced a memorial paving slab the wrong way round.

The flagstone, which carries a tribute to former Bolton Evening News vendor Bernard Mills, who died in 2009, had been removed to allow Electricity North West staff to carry out work on the underground electricity network.

But when contractors replaced the flagstone, they accidentally rotated it so text was facing in the opposite direction.

Mr Mills, who had cerebral palsy, was familiar to shoppers for selling assorted items from his wheelchair in Victoria Square.

One shopper, who immediately spotted the change, told The Bolton News: “The message should be able to be read as people walk towards where he would sit, which was on Victoria Square between the corner of Newport Street and where Specsavers is now.

“The man was an institution and it is important that his memory is respected.”

After being alerted to the mistake, the electricity board sent workers to correct the error.

Mr Mills, who had previously sold the Bolton Evening News, had no known family in Bolton, but friends raised the money needed for the memorial after his death.

The inscription on the flag reads: “In memory of Bernard Mills 1944-2009, who traded from his wheelchair in this area for many years, an inspiration to many, missed by all who knew him, always in our thoughts, rest in peace.”

A spokesman for Electricity North West said: “The flag was removed to enable essential maintenance on the underground electricity network but unfortunately when the work was complete the flag was reinstated incorrectly.

“As soon as we were made aware of the mistake we returned to reinstate the flag correctly. We apologise for any distress caused.”