A leading stage and screen actor has backed a petition calling for older people not to be forgotten in 'thoughtless town planning'.

The Crown actor Janet Suzman has given her backing to the Forgotten of Camden campaign, which fights the "damaging effect" of Camden Council's policies on older and less able residents.

The petition was launched by campaigner Jessica Learmond-Crique, who said removing vital car parking spaces in favour of cycle lanes such as in Haverstock Hill limits where elderly and disabled people can go.

Suzman, who starred in the Antony and Cleopatra television series and also The Singing Detective, said: "At 85 I should like to think that the daily lives of my peers won't be made miserable by thoughtless town planning.

"Not all of us can get around on foot or by bicycle - some of us need four wheels. As the playwright [Arthur Miller] says: 'Attention must be paid'.”

Ms Learmond-Crique, a lawyer who started the petition, says older or less able citizens may not have smart phones and many are not computer-literate, making life "extremely challenging" if they want to park or access services.

And she says the Healthy School Streets scheme does not take into account visits from carers or trade people or taxi drop offs at operating hours of 8am to 9.30am and 2pm to 4pm on week days.

"Camden prioritises some people over others," Jessica added.

"Policies should be done in a balanced way but it's not balanced at the moment. The needs of older and less able people are being ignored and that needs to be addressed."

Cllr Adam Harrison, cabinet member for a sustainable Camden, said five new pedestrian crossings have been trialled to help people cross the busy Haverstock Hill where there were none before, and eight new benches will be installed for people "to stop and rest".

He said the finalised scheme will reintroduce parking close to shops, as well as three new disabled bays. 

He added: “You should not have to be young and brave to feel you can cycle around the borough – providing protected space enables people of all ages and abilities to feel safe getting around by bike.

"In this regard, the petitioners will be glad to learn that disabled cyclists earlier this year tested out the Haverstock Hill trial lanes and fed back to our transport planning team.

"We welcome all views on the safer travel changes we are making, and were pleased 55% responded in favour to the final Haverstock Hill consultation.”

To sign the petition visit: www.change.org/p/forgotten-of-camden-focs