An 89-year-old woman in northwest London has been asked by Westminster City Council to remove a street garden she has maintained outside her home for more than 25 years. Katharine Hoskyns, a retired teacher, created the garden in St John’s Wood to brighten the area, cultivating tomatoes, geraniums, and herbs alongside a bench where neighbors often gathered.

The council’s request followed complaints from local residents citing concerns that the garden was attracting antisocial behavior. Officials also expressed safety worries, suggesting fallen plant pots could pose a hazard and that the bench had not been deemed structurally safe.

Ms. Hoskyns, however, disputes these claims, stating that only one neighbor objects to the garden and that it serves as a communal space appreciated by many in the community. Her son, Nicky Hoskyns, 58, has initiated a petition in support of preserving the garden, which has garnered more than 60 signatures from local residents.

Westminster City Council described the decision to issue the removal notice as “reluctant” but stated it was required to follow formal procedures in response to the complaints. The council also expressed hope that the matter could be resolved through mutual agreement.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between community initiatives to enhance local environments and regulatory standards aimed at ensuring safety and addressing residents’ concerns.