Some residents certainly think that 15 Main Street, Fulford, is a main contender for this dubious accolade - because its front door opens on to Heslington Lane.

It is causing a headache for Harry and Elsie Wilson who live at 15 Heslington Lane - the real one - because their visitors often knock on the wrong door.

Following our report earlier this month about the presence of two Main Streets in Heslington, which parish councillors are considering renaming to avoid misunderstandings, we have uncovered this equally confusing situation. Mr and Mrs Wilson have lived in their home for 25 years. But a few years ago the conversion of a shop on the corner of Heslington Lane and Main Street in Fulford caused this confusing situation.

The developed property includes three flats and shops. But while two of the flats are numbered 2 and 2a Heslington Lane, the remaining one is numbered 15 Main Street - but its door opens on to Heslington Lane.

Mr Wilson said he received the correct mail, but the doubling up caused him other problems. He said: "We are 15 Heslington Lane, but we are in a cul-de-sac. Fifty yards away on the main road there is also a number 15.

"It causes complications for people coming to us, who see number 15 on Heslington Lane, and when there's no answer they leave."

Lauris Liepa, 23, from Latvia, has lived at 15 Main Street, Fulford, which is owned by his boss, Kevin Miller, since November.

He said: "It sounds a bit silly, but it doesn't really bother me, and we always get the right post because my flatmate works at Royal Mail and he just brings it home with him."

Hairdresser Tony Drake, whose salon Metier is at 15a Main Street, said the numbers of the flats had already been changed because of confusion. He said: "We have had problems. Main Street stops at the church and it works its way back up to here. It does get very confusing because there's no sign post at Main Street."

John Fowler, at City of York Council, said that since 1996 the rules on house numbering had tightened up.

He said: "If it is causing a real problem then the residents just have to contact me and we can try to sort it out, perhaps discussing renumbering. Even a little step like putting a Main Street sign under the number 15 on the door would help the situation."

Updated: 09:59 Wednesday, April 20, 2005