Primrose Hill CLOSES at night on weekends during the summer in line for antisocial behavior

For centuries, Primrose Hill has been a place where generations of people gather to gaze at the stars and watch the sun rise over the sprawling London skyline.

It even provided the inspiration hundreds of years ago for the poet William Blake, who wrote: ‘I have conversed with the spiritual Sun. I saw him at Primrose Hill.

Now the landmark, which offers spectacular views of the capital’s skyline, will be closed on weekend nights in a bid to crack down on anti-social behavior in the park.

Royal Parks announced that metal gates will be used to close off access to Primrose Hill on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 10pm and 6am during the summer months to reduce the amount of vandalism, graffiti and noise.

The decision to close what is one of six protected viewpoints in London has caused division among Londoners in the Camden Borough. While some have applauded the decision, claiming it is “key to combating anti-social behaviour”, others said the park has been ruined by a minority of “frustrating”.

Royal Parks will now have to submit a planning application to the local authority to replace the current fencing, which it says ‘highlights this important Grade II listed landscape, with black metal gates.

People are already restricted from entering the viewing platform at Primrose Hill on ad hoc days of the year, such as Bonfire Night, Halloween and New Year’s Eve, but the restrictions will now include nights during the daylight savings period.

Luke Tryl, who lives in north London and is director of More in Common, told MailOnline: “It’s incredibly sad that this is happening. This is a very special area of ​​London where you see people sitting in the park at night with people and it’s really special for the view.This will take that away, and it’s a great loss to Londoners.

“It speaks to a broader problem of how the crime of antisocial behavior is impacting public spaces.

‘This is not an isolated example of minorities screwing it up for the majority. This is just a high profile issue of how our shared spaces are getting shut down due to things like vandalism, graffiti, noise.

“It’s terrible for our community, terrible for people’s experience and terrible for our health.”

Another man who wrote on Twitter said: “It’s a real shame, sitting on Primrose Hill (quietly) after spending the whole night in a club, waiting for the sunrise, it’s a magical London experience.”

“Obviously one I enjoyed many decades ago, but it saddens me that it’s being denied to modern lovesick teens.”

Another added: ‘Absolute shame. I used to love summer nights on the hill when we lived at Chalk Farm.

Former Channel 4 news presenter and veteran broadcaster Jon Snow, who lives in the area, said the decision was “completely unnecessary”.

He said bbc london: “I’m often out after 10pm with my dog ​​and I’ve never seen any evidence of serious problems,” he said.

“There is no reason why Royal Parks should spend what little money it has to close the park.

“It’s completely invasive.”

Others, however, are not so convinced and believe that it is the right decision to close the hilltop park during the clearest nights.

One resident, Adam Donneky, said it is “key to combating anti-social behaviour”.

He added: ‘I’ve seen people using my front lawn as a toilet, drug use in the park and nearby shops being robbed and vandalized.

“There have been unofficial parties with thousands of people attending where there is a sound system and a DJ playing all night.”

Eleanor Sturdy, who chairs the Primrose Hill crime panel, said the split over what to do about nights in the park began during the pandemic.

She said the Guardian following the recent decision published last week: ‘It was very sad because some people were not listening to each other.

‘There is still crime. We have had reports of sexual assaults, people attacked with machetes and fireworks. I think this is the right idea.

The Primrose Hill Community Association said the problems with anti-social behavior began during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.

When the pubs and clubs were closed, people chose to gather in the park with loudspeakers and fireworks.

It led to complaints from residents who put up temporary gates last year, but these have been vandalized and broken on several occasions.

Tyrl, however, said the problems seen on Primrose Hill mirror what is seen across the country, albeit in lesser-known public spaces.

He added: “It’s incredibly sad and I hope they find a way to keep it open, but it’s a symptom of a larger problem of anti-social behavior that the police aren’t handling properly.”

“(Police should) take a tougher line on anti-social behaviour, more hotspot policing in these areas where we know anti-social behavior congregates.

‘We also need to get those who engage in anti-social behavior to clean up after themselves, removing graffiti, picking up their little ones. Once people have consequences, it will no longer be a free for all.’

Royal Parks said it had conducted a survey in November and December to gather views from residents and visitors on a range of topics within the park, including quietness, noise, cycling and behaviour.

He also asked if the park should be closed.

A Royal Parks spokesperson said: “There have been very strong views on both sides of the debate between those who want to see the park closed at night and those who want to keep it open.” However, it is up to The Royal Parks to make a balanced and proportionate decision, which it has already done.

‘Primrose Hill is a beautiful space and an exceptional resource that is there for all to enjoy. Royal Parks urges all visitors to respect this and all other parks it manages, and show consideration to other visitors and neighboring communities.’