Places In The Uk

[rivel]

I have asked this before but everyone must be as puzzled as me.
No number of letters is given.
The question is:

Sounds very painful but is missing the point.

Any help would be much appreciated as I am running out of ideas.
It's probably something really simple.

[factor-fiction]

surrey? ( sore + E?)

[treetops1]

Acomb...prounced ache um

[Prudie]

(W) Ealing?

[factor-fiction]

Probably not- maybe it should be a word that sounds like a synonym of painful or is like 'ouch' then an N, E, W or S is removed

[factor-fiction]

My 'probably not' comment was about my own poor effort.

[Sam1960]

(S) Ayr ?

[scorpiojo]

Burn? (Burns - s?)

[Mamyalynne]

The answer has 3 letters and yes you are removing a cardinal point.

[factor-fiction]

Thanks Mamya.
That may be enough of a hint for rival to work it out if a clue is all that's wanted

[Mamyalynne]

Put my hint with one of yours Factor and think Rivel will see it.

[factor-fiction]

Indeed. I have it.
Sorry , rivel not rival

[rivel]

Thanks everyone.
It's being driving me mad.
I'll be able to sleep tonight !!

[Sam1960]

you're welcome

[Prudie]

So what's the answer?

[Mamyalynne]

No Quinie, we shall be drummed out of the quizzers circle. :-)

[factor-fiction]

I think you meant Prudie rather than Quinie, mamya.

[Prudie]

I did wonder factor, even with the clues I still can't work it out:-(

[Mamyalynne]

Apologies Prudie.

[Prudie]

No worries Mamya, but give us another clue :-)

[Mamyalynne]

4 letter word for 'painful' minus a letter indicating a cardinal point of the compass.

Bear in mind what I think is right might not match what the setters answer is.