Camden Council’s message is clear in Waterlow Park

THE ink was hardly dry on the New Journal’s revelation that barbecues are being banned in Waterlow Park when big red signs appeared spelling out the new rules.

Our front page reported that Camden had moved to halt the outdoor cooking last Wednesday after large crowds had gathered during the previous two weekends.

The story was picked up by national newspapers and TV due to the park’s historic nature and founding principle as being a “garden for a gardenless”.

The council’s decision has split opinion between those who say the numbers were out of control and others who think people without their own green space at home have lost out.

Louise Lewis, who was part of the initial barbecue working group, said: “Speaking as someone who has fought hard over the years to keep the barbecues, I am disappointed with Camden’s decision.

“I think it narrows the opportunity for people from all different backgrounds to enjoy time out together.”

She added: “I have really enjoyed my time going from barbecue group to barbecue group explaining the rules and the reasons for them.

SEE ALSO CAMDEN TO HALT BARBECUES IN WATERLOW PARK DUE TO LARGE ‘PARTIES’

“Virtually everyone has been really kind and understanding, welcoming me and asking me to join them. I have met so many people from so many different places. It’s like a big party.”

Ms Lewis told the New Journal that she is concerned about people who are unaware of the new rules turning up over the Easter weekend as there is “no way of letting everybody know”.

“[People] will have spent time, effort and money planning it, everyone will be excited, only to find that they can’t have a barbecue after all,” she said. “I think that’s a shame.”

Ian Dungavell, chief executive of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust, said the barbecue ban was a relief. “We had a much more tranquil weekend,” he said.

Fiona Brown, of the Friends of Waterlow Park agreed. “I have to say it was a very quiet weekend around Highgate,” she said.