Locals have slammed the location of a new bench with a ‘lovely view’ of a derelict building. Residents in Shirehampton have been left confused over the new bench, which they say is placed facing “completely the wrong way”.

The bench was spotted by local resident Mary Harding, who snapped a picture and posted it to her local community Facebook group.

The unusually positioned seat faces away from the picturesque town and directly towards a derelict nursery that is soon to be demolished.

“The reason why people are so astonished is not just that it’s facing away from the village but that it currently faces the boarded up nursery cottage and derelict greenhouses”, Mary said. She added the site will soon be demolished and become a building site.

The bench facing a derelict building
The bench facing a derelict building (Image: Mary Harding / SWNS)

Her post on the local Facebook group received over 250 likes and comments – with residents reacting in similar confusion. “That is so bizarre!” one commenter said. “Feedback needed…”

Another joked: “I heard it was for the firefighters to sit on while watching the derelict house burn?”

Residents agreed they had also noticed the mystifying seating arrangement, describing it as “ludicrous” and even “complete lunacy.”

Mary added: “It’s a lovely bench – but crazy planning!”