Linda Grove, who lives in Belsize Park, is urging Camden Council to repair or replace street seating in Haverstock Hill.
Five new benches were proposed as part of the council’s Haverstock Hill and Rosslyn Hill walking, cycling and road safety scheme last year – but these have never appeared.
She said: “All these benches have been worn out for years. The council said they want to develop the area and put in planters, but with the benches it’s delay after delay after delay and nothing’s happened.”
Ms Grove admitted replacing one memorial bench might be “difficult” as the dedication on it is 100 years old, but she cannot see why new benches cannot simply be installed.
She said: “The benches need to be repaired or new ones put in and they need to move them away from trees as at the moment pigeons poop on them.”
Anne Ward, chair of the Belsize Grove Tenants and Leaseholder Association, said a significant proportion of people living in the estate are frail, though still able to live independently, with the oldest “grateful bench users” being in their 90s.
She said any benches removed would be “badly missed” as they offer support and places to rest when shopping and carrying purchases.
She added: “The bench located on the corner of Haverstock Hill and Belsize Grove, which also catches the sunshine, is a favoured place to rest on the way to and from bus and underground stops and from which to watch the world go by.”
“In good weather it’s a charming and sunny spot too.”
A Camden Council spokesperson said: “As part of the permanent Haverstock Hill scheme, which is now under construction, we will shortly be installing new benches to provide further opportunities to stop and rest.
“These improvements are part of the wider scheme to make the area safer and healthier by improving junction layouts, extending the hours of operation of the bus lane, upgrading pedestrian crossing points and adding new cycle lanes to make getting around safer and easier.”
