news

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden New Journal - By SARA NEWMAN
Published: 24 January 2008

Songwriter David Thompson says the removal of street benches will affect community spirit

‘We won’t stand for our benches being taken away over boozers’

A PUBLIC bench has been removed from outside West Hampstead Library after it became a magnet for street drinkers.
The Town Hall now plan to use “perch” benches in the area in a bid to cut anti-social behaviour. While library staff are understood to have complained to Camden Council and police about drunks intimidating visitors, some residents in the area want the bench reinstated in West End Lane.
Singer-songwriter David Thompson. 52, of Sumatra Road, has penned a song called Menches on Benches, celebrating the camaraderie among users of public benches.
He said: “A lot of people who are down and out or just high on drugs sit there at night which might be the reason they took them away, but it’s a weak society that sees removing them as the solution. You have a fellowship on the bench.”
Norma Sedler, who lives in Hillfield Road, added: “Just because a few druggies and winos started sitting on the seats the KGB come along and take away our lovely seats with proper backs and slats and all we have left is to sit on the pavement. When I was a kid there were always old people watching the world go by. Now I’m old myself, it’s nice if you’re going on an errand to sit down on a bench.”
A council spokesman said the public are consulted on plans to install a bench but not on its removal.
She added: “Camden has developed and implemented perch benches from CCTV controller boxes, making better use of this unavoidable piece of equipment and providing a resting point that tends not to attract anti-social behaviour.”
Ahmeed Abdul, manager of the nearby Best One Convenience Stores, said: “I think it’s a good thing because the people that sat there were a nuisance to us. We didn’t complain but now it’s gone we don’t miss it.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: