Benches - getting the balance right

A new benches policy has been agreed by the Council, so that ward councillors will be consulted before any new benches are deployed, and so that streets officers check with community safety officers whether locations are likely to cause problems.

The issue of benches is sometimes controversial - as in Fairfax Rd - and as ward members we are always alert to hear of problems benches may be causing. But we also want to hear about places where a bench may be needed. The Council has limited funds for new benches but sometimes capital monies are available connected to street schemes.

The Council and the Mayor of London rightly have ambitious plans to increase walking, and benches also make areas more accessible for older citizens. Ultimately, if a bench is causing unacceptable problems it can, in extremis, be removed.