Residents in a prestigious London borough have expressed outrage after authorities erected extensive green fencing around a beloved park to prevent public access for New Year's Eve celebrations.
Unprecedented Closure Sparks Local Backlash
The focal point of the controversy is Primrose Hill in Camden, renowned for its spectacular, panoramic views of the capital's skyline. The spot has historically attracted massive crowds wishing to watch the Mayor of London's famous fireworks display for free. In 2024, an estimated 30,000 people gathered there to ring in the new year.
However, this year, the park will be locked and inaccessible to revellers. The Royal Parks charity, which manages the green space, confirmed Primrose Hill would be closed from 8pm on December 30 until January 1. They stated the decision was "not taken lightly" but was necessary to "ensure public safety".
Local residents have vehemently criticised the move. Amy McKeown, a member of the Primrose Hill Keepers volunteer group, labelled the fencing "grotesque" and said she left the area to avoid seeing it. "The park has never been closed like this. This is completely unprecedented," she told the Press Association.
Catherine Usiskin, a resident of over 40 years, called the measure "ridiculous" and "an overreaction". She warned the closure would harm local businesses like pubs and restaurants, and predicted people would still attempt to enter the park by climbing the barriers.
Safety Concerns and Policing Changes Cited
The Royal Parks charity explained its reasoning, highlighting that the large gathering is not an officially organised event with a dedicated safety plan. They stated their capacity to manage such crowds would be "severely diminished" this year. A significant factor cited was the November 2023 disbanding of the Metropolitan Police's Royal Parks Operational Command Unit, a move made as the force addresses a £260 million funding gap.
This unit previously helped respond to serious incidents in parks like Hyde Park and Primrose Hill. The closure follows the tragic fatal stabbing of teenager Harry Pitman on Primrose Hill during last year's New Year's Eve celebrations.
However, the Metropolitan Police offered a different perspective. A spokesperson clarified that the closure decision was made solely by The Royal Parks, not the police. They contested the suggestion that the disbanding of the parks policing team necessitated the closure, noting that officers from that unit made up just 15 of the more than 145 officers deployed to the hill last New Year's Eve.
Authorities Urge Public to Make Alternative Plans
Commander Nick John, leading the Met's NYE policing operations, echoed the Royal Parks' plea for the public to stay away. "The Royal Parks are urging people not to try to gather at Primrose Hill this year and we would echo those calls," he said. "Please make alternative plans. Anyone trying to access the park will find that it is not possible."
Scotland Yard confirmed there would still be a police presence in the area to "respond to criminality", but emphasised that physically preventing access to the park was not their responsibility.
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges of managing large, informal public gatherings in urban spaces, balancing public safety with community access and tradition. For this year at least, the iconic view from Primrose Hill will remain unimpaired by crowds, but surrounded instead by contentious green fencing.
