Police have released a “clarification” following public anger over the closure of a popular park known for its view of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Residents near Primrose Hill expressed frustration after the installation of green hoarding around the park to prevent access for spectators to watch the display. The Camden park, which attracts around 30,000 people for New Year’s Eve celebrations, will be closed this year, with gates locked from 8 pm on Tuesday until 6 am on New Year’s Day.
Sections of the park have been cordoned off with solid hoarding and temporary fencing to deter unauthorized entry by viewers.
The Metropolitan Police clarified that the decision to close the park was made by the Royal Parks due to challenges in managing the large crowd of up to 30,000 people. The closure was not a result of the disbanding of the dedicated parks police team.
Local resident Amy McKeown expressed disappointment at the closure, calling it “grotesque” and unprecedented. She emphasized that the park, as a public space, should allow people to enjoy the fireworks display.
In November, the Metropolitan Police announced the disbanding of the Royal Parks police unit due to financial constraints. A police spokesperson reiterated that the closure of Primrose Hill was a decision by the Royal Parks, not law enforcement.
Concerns about safety at the park arose following a fatal stabbing during the 2023 New Year’s Eve fireworks event. The Royal Parks charity cited diminished crowd management capabilities due to the closure of the Metropolitan Police’s Royal Parks Operational Command Unit.
The charity confirmed the closure of Primrose Hill for public safety, urging individuals without tickets to the official fireworks event to find alternative arrangements.
Local resident Catherine Usiskin criticized the park’s fencing as an overreaction, expressing concerns about the impact on local businesses. She mentioned the increased challenges in managing the park, particularly since the pandemic.
Despite the closure, there are fears that people may attempt to access the park by circumventing the barriers. The police commander emphasized the importance of adhering to the closure and advised against attempting to gather at Primrose Hill.
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