A Friendship Bench celebrating the diverse community mix in North Kensington has been unveiled.

The seat, close to Trellick Tower at the junction of Golborne Road and Southam Street, was commissioned by Kensington and Chelsea Council in partnership with the Golborne Forum, as a project to symbolise the area - which has residents of Moroccan, Portuguese, Irish, Jewish and Afro Caribbean backgrounds.

It was designed by local artist Lara Bohinc MBE and in memory of Golborne community stalwart Susie Parsons, who died suddenly two years ago at the age of 65.

Her son Ben Perry was at the bench’s unveiling, along with ward councillors, Mayor Cllr Marie-Therese Rossi and Cllr Tom Coleridge, the former chairman of the Public Art Panel.

The bench takes inspiration from different communities coming together, represented by five separate ribbons which form the structure.

The term ‘Friendship Bench’ comes from schools adopting benches as part of an anti-bullying campaign, encouraging children to make new friends.

Ms Parsons died on June 6 2015 after suffering a major stroke.

She chaired The Golborne Forum from its beginning and led its many campaigns to improve the environment and conditions for people living and working in the area.

She had lived in North Kensington for much of the previous 40 years, standing up for the interests of local people, promoting the economic and social well-being of the neighbourhood and holding the council to account.

The Friendship Bench is designed by Lara Bohinc MBE and celebrating the diverse community mix in North Kensington

She will also be remembered for her role in launching and sustaining The Golborne Forum’s Golborne Road Festival .

Welcoming the unveiling of the bench, the mayor said: “I am delighted we are here to mark the great community spirit and contribution of so many people, through the Golborne Forum and other organisations.

“We especially remember Susie Parsons, whose hard work and dedication over many years had a real impact on the area and those who live her.

"I am sure her son, Ben, takes tremendous pride in all his mother did and I hope this bench is a fitting memorial to her spirit as well all the communities in Golborne.”

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