Belsize Village has become a traffic blackspot after a spat between Camden Council and a homeowner caused half the road to be closed off.

Half of the pedestrian crossing in Belsize Lane has been cordoned off for fear that part of the road could collapse. But work to reinforce the road has stalled, with the council investigating what caused the foundations to weaken.

A council source said the town hall and homeowner were negotiating costs for the repair work.

Cllr Chris Knight, former environment boss, said: “It’s causing quite a few tailbacks because it’s a rat-run for the school run. Sometimes it feels like the north London grand prix.”