Party on Primrose Hill over Easter weekend

• CONTRARY to the nonsensical and fictitious views of a very isolated minority who claim there have been no significant problems focused on Primrose Hill in recent months, there is in fact a substantial and growing body of evidence that proves the opposite is true.

Testimony, both anecdotal and supported by video footage, in addition to police reports and local press coverage, point to a very serious issue that must be addressed to prevent further damage to residents’ wellbeing and criminal acts affecting businesses.

The perception that it is simply young people enjoying the evening and the view is misinformed, misguided, and dangerous.

A huge effort has been made to document and record negative impacts on our community that includes filmed footage and photographs showing illegal gathering of hundreds of people in breach of Covid-19 restrictions, multiple amplified music systems being played until the early hours, the park and surrounding streets being used as toilets and – of most concern – the area becoming a magnet for hard drug dealers who are vying with each other to claim Primrose Hill as their “patch” resulting in violent incidents.

It would appear there is no sensible argument that includes any convincing data to successfully challenge the overwhelming local support for a review of how the park is run and used or sadly abused.

While everyone is entitled to their opinion on this issue it will be actions and evidence that achieve a satisfactory outcome rather than references to old proverbs.

It is astonishing that any stakeholder in this area would appear to be unconcerned about the negative effects of the criminality experienced by others who live and work here.

Even more bewildering is the idea that putting a friendly cop at the top of the hill will stop the problems, (People enjoying themselves is not the problem, April 29). Such a rudimentary “solution” to the issue is not just crackers but downright reckless.

The police have been dealing with a very difficult situation and deserve our heartfelt thanks, not an invitation to send a lone officer into a volatile environment where she or he could risk being set upon, injured, or worse.

Civil liberties are a vital part of the way we hope to live our lives but they must be upheld in a balanced and informed context that respects all parties.

If you had asked me a few years ago whether Primrose Hill park should be physically closed at night I would have railed at such an idea. However times have changed and so has my mind on the matter.

If the pursuit of “freedom for all” results in terrifyingly negative impacts for completely innocent, decent, people and businesses in their community then the time has come to get off the fence and take a stance in pursuit of upholding their rights to peaceful, safe, lives and livelihoods.

A broad coalition of residents, businesses, councillors, community organisations, the police and our MP are hoping to work together with the Royal Parks towards a common goal that will make Primrose Hill a safe and enjoyable neighbourhood once again.

It would be good to think that everybody in our area had the same aim in mind.

PHIL COWAN
Albert Terrace, NW1