The phrase ‘man in the street’ has been outlawed by a council because it is ‘inherently sexist, not a fair reflection of reality, and makes the views or work of women invisible’.

Members and staff of Chichester District Council in West Sussex are instead told to use ‘a positive alternative’ such as ‘the general public’.

They are also advised to avoid phrases such as ‘manning the switchboard’, and the words Mrs, Miss, girl and lady.

An extract of the language guide published by the Chichester District Council

Council staff urged not to use the phrases 'old woman', 'old fool', and 'old codger'

Other suggestions include avoiding phrases like ‘old woman’, ‘old fool’ and ‘old codger’.

The guide has been sent to parish councils in the area, and last night the chairman of one of them said he was outraged to receive instructions on how to speak and write, describing the whole idea as ‘ghastly political correctness’.

Angry: Tony Colpoys

Tony Colpoys,  who heads Ebernoe parish council, said: ' 'The language guide was sent to me about a month ago and I was outraged when I found that we were no longer allowed to refer to "the man on the street".

'This kind of thing really gets my goat - it's not as though anybody in their right mind would believe that the 'man in the street' referred solely to the male sex.

'It's just stupid - I've never heard anything like it.

'I think political correctness is one of the most ghastly things about our society - it's one of the most repulsive things ever to be invented.'

The council says the document, which is distributed to all staff and council members, is not a rule book, but a guide to help staff and members find the ‘right’ word.

A spokesman said: ‘It is easy to make fun of individual phrases or words but what we are seeking to do is to be more sensitive and responsive to the needs of others in our society.’