A statue of a King’s Troop soldier mounted on horseback has been branded a trip hazard for blind walkers.
The bronze sculpture, designed by Princess Anne’s former lady-in-waiting Caroline Wallace, is set to be raised in St John’s Wood, north-west London, in the coming years.
However, plans shared online for the £300,000 installation do not feature a plinth, and the horse’s tail and legs stick out at angles, which critics say could pose a risk.
The St John's Wood Society, a group working to ‘protect the area's high standards of architecture’, said: ‘We have concerns about it being a trip hazard for the sight-impaired.’
In a consultation response to Westminster City Council, it added: ‘We note that the CGI does not include a plinth, but the design and access statement indicates that a plinth is included. We are awaiting further information.’
Members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery take part in a rehearsal for Trooping the Colour last June
The King's Troop conducts gun salutes to mark grand occasions of state, including the King’s birthday parade, royal births and birthdays.
It is part of the Royal Horse Artillery, which was based at the former barracks in St John’s Wood for more than 200 years before it moved to Woolwich in 2012.
Planning documents state: ‘The statue will commemorate a link with the site of the former barracks and the formation of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, at the behest of King George VI.
‘[It] has been commissioned and funded by the St John's Wood community, not only as a measure of gratitude for those who gave their lives in over 200 years of service, but also in appreciation for the inestimable pleasure of having the King's Troop present and as part of the community.’
The statue is the brainchild of long-term resident and chocolate entrepreneur Clive Beecham and has the backing of the Royal household, according to The Telegraph.
Mr Beecham said: ‘This is simply a community saying, thank you for what you did. We were very sorry to see them go when they left in 2012, so we wanted something to commemorate them.
‘If you were caught behind the King's Troop, it was the only traffic jam in London that we were prepared to accept.’
However, he added: ‘I totally agree with the concerns and we are working with the country's foremost accessibility consultants to arrive at a solution with or without a plinth.’