PENSIONERS are celebrating after a housing association ruled out removing the benches where they sit and chat.

The group claimed Bromleigh Housing Association was threatening to take away the benches outside its sheltered homes in Horning Close, Mottingham, following complaints the pensioners were too noisy.

But a spokesman for the association told News Shopper: “Categorically, there are no plans to remove the benches.”

Ann Reddy, from the group of elderly friends said the news was a relief.

The 69-year-old, who is recovering from stroke, said: “I think it’s all the publicity.

“They’ve got to think one day they will be old.

“I think everybody’s very happy that we’ve achieved this - we never thought in a million years it would happen.”