People power has clawed back seating essential for the disabled and elderly in Hammersmith Broadway shopping centre.

Pensioner Roy Baker, 68, of Baron's Keep, West Kensington, complained to the centre manager after the benches outside Tesco were removed for 'health and safety' reasons.

But after he contacted www.londoninfomer.co.uk , the benches suddenly reappeared on Sunday after two weeks in hiding.

"Naturally I am delighted the benches are back, even though there are less of them," said Mr Baker, who is treasurer of Hammersmith and Fulham Pensioners' Forum. "But I don't think this is a coincidence. I think they have been replaced as a result of our complaints."

The pensioner emailed centre manager Pam Williams on October 24 to complain, saying he was shocked that they had been removed.

She replied: "The Broadway Shopping Centre experiences a huge footfall. This footfall has steadily increased, so much so that we have been advised that the benches now pose a health and safety risk. On the basis of this advice we have taken the decision to completely remove the benches from the centre."

But some seating was installed just two days ago in a different place.

Olympia resident William Starr, 60, who has cerebral palsy, said he walks with two sticks and relied on the benches for a rest with heavy shopping before tackling the escalators to the bus station. "I think it's rather strange that they have reappeared," he said. "It's too much of a coincidence. But I'm glad they have come back as there's a need for a seating area."

Ms Williams said yesterday the management had not made a decision on the new benches when the old benches were removed. She added that she is under no obligation to provide benches and did not wish to comment further.

IS THIS HEALTH AND SAFETY MADNESS? LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK IN THE BOX BELOW