Police have issued a “clarification” following public outcry over the closure of a popular park in London known for its New Year’s Eve fireworks viewing. Residents near Primrose Hill expressed frustration after the park was sealed off with green hoarding to prevent entry for the annual celebration. The decision to shut the park, which typically attracts around 30,000 people for the fireworks display, was made by the Royal Parks due to crowd management challenges.
Sections of the park have been cordoned off using solid hoarding and temporary fencing to deter spectators. The Metropolitan Police clarified that the closure was not their choice but a move by the Royal Parks to address crowd control concerns. Contrary to claims, the disbanding of the dedicated parks police team was not a deciding factor in the closure, as only a small portion of officers deployed to Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve in the past were from that unit.
Local resident Amy McKeown expressed disappointment over the park closure, emphasizing its unprecedented nature and the public’s right to access such spaces for events like the fireworks display. The decision to shut down the park on New Year’s Eve was part of ongoing changes, including the discontinuation of the Royal Parks police, aimed at addressing financial constraints.
Concerns about safety at Primrose Hill arose following a past incident where a teenager was fatally stabbed during the New Year’s Eve festivities. The Royal Parks charity highlighted the limitations in managing large crowds without proper resources and coordination. Efforts have been made to collaborate with the Metropolitan Police to redirect individuals without event tickets to alternative locations for the fireworks display.
Residents, including Catherine Usiskin, criticized the park closure as excessive and potentially detrimental to local businesses. Despite the restrictions, some fear that people may attempt to enter the park by circumventing the barriers. The use of hoarding to block access to the park has drawn comparisons to security measures at festivals like Glastonbury.
Commander Nick John from the Metropolitan Police urged the public to respect the park closure and find alternative ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve, emphasizing that accessing Primrose Hill during the event would not be feasible.