A TOWN famous around the world for its industrial heritage has fallen victim to a glitch in modern technology.

Consett , the former steel town, on the east of the Pennines in County Durham, has been renamed Gonsett on Apple’s new mapping software.

It is one of many problems to have emerged with the launch of the new, highlyanticipated iPhone 5.

Blackhill, a nearby village annexed to the town, has been renamed Black Hill, and the geographic inaccuracies have not made the company popular with locals.

Alex Watson, former leader of Derwentside District Council, which was based in Consett, said the error was an insult to the town.

He said: “It is a bit of an insult, no doubt about it.

“We are famous for our steel making and famous for lead and coal.

“They should have done a little bit more research than they have to make sure they get the names right. It is not right at all.

“I am not very happy about it and people will be deeply offended.

“Apple is big company and this will do their reputation no good.”

Councillor Owen Temple, who represents the town on Durham County Council, said it came as no surprise.

He said: “People will respond with weary resignation because, even as far as Durham City, no one knows where we are.

“In a way it is quite funny, but it does have downside. We should be on the map.”

Apple has responded to the criticism of its mapping software, saying the application will improve.

The software angered users who said it was riddled with inaccuracies, misplaced towns and cities and omitted key landmarks.

The mapping system comes with updates to Apple’s phone operating system and is bundled in with the iPhone 5.

Apple embarked on the development of its own mapping software after deciding it no longer wanted to use Google’s equivalent.

Apple’s own system has been created using data from satellite navigation firm Tom Tom and others.

Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller said the launch of Apple Maps was a major undertaking for the firm.

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