Primrose Hill, a popular location in London, will be closed on New Year’s Eve to prevent large gatherings. The decision, announced by the Royal Parks charity, aims to enhance public safety during the festivities.
Reasons for Closure
The Royal Parks charity stated that crowd management capabilities for this year’s event would be significantly reduced. The closure follows the disbanding of the Metropolitan Police’s Royal Parks Operational Command Unit.
A spokesperson for the Royal Parks explained that the park’s closure was not a decision made lightly. They emphasized that due to the nature of the New Year’s Eve gathering, which is not an organized event, there are limited safety controls in place.
Police and Safety Measures
The Metropolitan Police responded to the decision, clarifying that it was misleading to suggest the closure required their Royal Parks policing team. According to their statement, this team comprised only 15 officers out of the over 145 deployed to Primrose Hill last New Year’s Eve.
Insights from the Metropolitan Police
- Commander Nick John oversees the New Year’s Eve policing.
- He encouraged the public not to gather at Primrose Hill this year.
- He urged individuals to make alternative plans for celebrating.
Public Advisory
As Primrose Hill will be inaccessible, attendees are urged to respect the advice from the Royal Parks and the Metropolitan Police. It is recommended to seek other venues for New Year’s celebrations to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
