Park goers have been banned from enjoying barbecues despite soaring temperatures as several were caught littering, fighting and pooing in the bushes.
Camden Council announced the ban on Wednesday in Waterlow Park in Highgate, north London owing to parties gathering in hot weather and disturbing other users. The announcement followed a petition by residents, who pushed for a ban amid concerns around pollution and the impact on the grass and wildlife. Although some people were happy with the ban, others wondered where they were supposed to go as many do not have access to gardens to enjoy the warm conditions in.
One local claimed “massive events” were bringing in a large number of people who were playing very loud music, burning barbecues in both the designated and undesignated zones and even “defecating in the bushes” and “fighting”.
Local Sarah Humphries, 70, welcomed the ban, adding: “I’m completely against the barbecues. The smell of the smoke is just awful.
“I actually have to avoid the park at weekends because of it. I do sympathise with people who have nowhere else to go – but it just isn’t right here.
“People come in such large groups and I can’t even tell you, there is so much smoke.”
Fellow resident Elsie Smith, 67, said she was also “relieved” by the decision. She said: “We used to never be able to come here on weekends because there was smoke everywhere.
“It’s bad for your health and the environment and the people who came with barbecues weren’t local – so it stopped residents using the park.
“I’m relieved, to be honest. People should have picnics instead. Then everyone can enjoy the park without being smoked out.”
A few thought the move was a “shame”, however, pointing out that most Londoners do not have a garden and therefore have nowhere else to go. Renata, 54, had similar views. She said: “I’d say the ban is a good thing.
“This has been my local park for the last 20 years so I’ve noticed the effects barbecues have had. The grass is burnt – and there’s a danger of wildfires. It just takes one accident for things to go up.
“There’s a lot of smoke – which is bad for people and nature – and the big parties can be pretty intimidating.”
Camden Council said it wants everyone to be able to enjoy the park and will keep the policy “under regular review”. A spokesperson said: “Camden’s parks are vital spaces for our residents.
“Two out of five of our residents do not have access to a garden at their home and our parks offer beautiful spaces to relax, socialise and exercise. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and this means we will keep our policy of allowing barbecues in our parks in the summer under regular review.”
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