‘UNFORGIVABLE, unprofessional and ridiculous’ – that’s how the Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge has described a series of errors on Apple’s new mapping service.

The company’s new iOS 6 map service, launched as a rival to Google Maps, lists Highbridge as having two train stations, directs users to businesses which no longer exist and relocates existing ones.

Mayor Ken Smout told the Weekly News: “It’s just ridiculous. It’s a shame that, with the council and local people really trying to promote the area as a popular seaside resort, Apple can’t even get it right.

“It’s not good for the town at all as people visiting the area might get very confused trying to find businesses which no longer exist.

“This technology is the future so it needs to be accurate. The fact that parts are completely incorrect is not only unforgiveable but unprofessional, too.”

The technology giant has responded to widespread criticism of its map service by reassuring its customers that improvements are to come.

In a statement it said: “Customers around the world are upgrading to iOS 6 with over 200 new features, including Apple Maps, our first map service.

“We launched this new map service knowing it’s a major initiative and that we’re just getting started with it.

“Maps is a cloud-based solution and the more people use it the better it will get.

“We appreciate all of the customer feedback and are working hard to make the customer experience even better.”