In an unprecedented move, several of London's most famous parks have been locked and barricaded ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations to prevent large crowds gathering. The drastic measures, which include solid green hoardings and temporary fencing, have been implemented by The Royal Parks charity citing significant public safety concerns.
Parks Transformed into 'No-Go Zones'
Primrose Hill in Camden, a prime viewing spot with panoramic views of the capital, is at the centre of the controversy. The park, which attracted an estimated 30,000 revellers last year, will remain closed from 8pm on December 30 until 6am on January 1. Its gates are locked, with areas cordoned off by substantial barriers described by locals as 'grotesque'.
Other major green spaces are also affected. Greenwich Park will close early, Hyde Park is set to shutter at midnight, and Alexandra Palace will be shut. The City of London Corporation has urged people not to congregate at Hampstead Heath to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Local Outrage and Claims of 'Overreaction'
The decision has provoked fury among residents of Primrose Hill, with many branding it a severe overreaction. Amy McKeown, a resident and part of the Primrose Hill Keepers volunteer group, said she had left the area to celebrate elsewhere.
"It is too grotesque to see," she stated. "The park has never been closed like this. This is completely unprecedented. This is a public park where people should be able to come to watch the fireworks."
Catherine Usiskin, a local of over forty years, echoed the sentiment. "It's just ridiculous," she said. "It's such an over-reaction. You can't close down society." She warned the closure would harm local businesses but believed people would still try to access the park by climbing the fences.
Safety Concerns and Policing Changes
The Royal Parks charity, which manages eight London parks including Hyde Park and Regent's Park, announced the closure due to 'limited controls' to ensure safety for such a large, unorganised gathering. This follows the disbanding of the Metropolitan Police's Royal Parks Operational Unit in November, a move intended to help address a £260 million funding gap.
Safety fears have been heightened by the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Harry Pitman on Primrose Hill during last year's New Year's Eve celebrations. His killer, 18-year-old Areece Lloyd-Hall, was jailed for a minimum of 16 years in November.
However, the Met Police has disputed any direct link between the unit's dissolution and the park closure. A force spokesperson stated: "Claims that this is a result of the disbanding of the dedicated parks police team are inaccurate." They explained that parks officers made up only 15 of the 145 officers deployed to the hill last year, and that police resources were not a factor in The Royal Parks' decision.
Commander Nick John, leading the Met's NYE policing, urged the public: "The Royal Parks are urging people not to try to gather at Primrose Hill this year and we would echo those calls. Please make alternative plans. Anyone trying to access the park will find that it is not possible."
The closure highlights broader concerns about crime in London's royal parks. Reported criminal incidents rose from 76 in 2022/23 to 101 in 2023/24, with recent months seeing violent robberies targeting cyclists in Regent's Park and machete attacks in Hyde Park.
