A council sparked confusion by installing opposite-facing seats - which locals quipped meant people could "sit and ignore one another".

The odd seating arrangement, placed on a street in Elephant and Castle, South London, has caused amusement among locals.

Some pointed out that it's a better space to sit and ignore someone - given that you can't even face the person you are speaking to. 

Others have claimed however that the mismatched set actually suits Londoners - who are known for "avoiding eye contact'. 

Locals took to Facebook to share their outrage.Locals took to Facebook to share their outrage. (Image: SWNS)

Sharing a photo of the chairs on Facebook, one local said: "The Council has positioned these chairs at the junction of Amelia St. and Penton Place so that foot-weary locals may sit and ignore one another."

Another added: "I’ve been thinking exactly the same - how insane is that? When I first saw it I thought they were not fixed yet and would be turned the right way round later - but no!"

A third resident suggested the chairs might be an anti-homeless measure - while a fourth joked the chairs were fitting for Londoners. 

The council is fixing the issue.The council is fixing the issue. (Image: SWNS)

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The local said: "I saw that and I wondered what they were thinking, but then again, this is in London, a city where people avoid eye contact unless they have drunk a couple of pints." 

Cllr James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste at Southwark Council, said: “We’ve spotted the issue and have already scheduled in works to reposition the chair.

"Our goal is to encourage connection, so once it’s fixed, we hope to see plenty of people taking a moment out of their busy day to engage with others or simply enjoy a quiet break”.