Police have released a statement to address public outcry over the closure of a popular park in London for New Year’s Eve fireworks viewing. Residents near Primrose Hill expressed frustration as the park was enclosed with green hoarding to prevent access for the annual celebrations, which typically draw large crowds. The decision to shut down the park from 8 pm on New Year’s Eve until 6 am the following day was made by the Royal Parks, not the Metropolitan Police, due to challenges in managing the expected crowd of up to 30,000 people.
Sections of the park were barricaded with solid hoarding and temporary fencing to deter unauthorized entry. The closure was not influenced by the recent disbandment of the Royal Parks police team, as clarified by the police force. Amy McKeown, a local resident, expressed disappointment at the park’s closure, emphasizing that the unprecedented move goes against the park’s tradition of welcoming visitors for the fireworks display.
Concerns over safety at Primrose Hill were raised following a past incident where a teenager was fatally stabbed during the New Year’s Eve festivities. The Royal Parks charity, responsible for managing Primrose Hill, cited safety limitations in handling large crowds without the support of the Metropolitan Police’s Royal Parks Operational Command Unit.
Residents like Catherine Usiskin criticized the closure as an overreaction, highlighting the negative impact on local businesses. Despite the restrictions, some believe people may attempt to access the park by bypassing the barriers. The closure has sparked debate over the park’s accessibility and the need for heightened security measures.
Commander Nick John urged the public to respect the closure and advised against attempting to gather at Primrose Hill during the celebrations. The call to find alternative plans was echoed by authorities to ensure public safety and prevent any unauthorized access to the closed park.