Camden Council has declined to make a permanent ban on charcoal barbecues in Waterlow Park, despite pressure from activists, following a temporary ban instituted in April.
This temporary measure was introduced in response to complaints regarding large gatherings of barbecue users, instances of violence, significant littering, and people relieving themselves in the bushes.
The Highgate Village Green Preservation Society (HVGPS) expressed concerns about the negative impact of “scorched earth, increasing litter, ash bins emitting smoke, and a surge in traffic,” which they believe is detrimental to the local community, environment, and fauna.
Adam Harrison, a representative from the north London council, highlighted that the park was established in 1889 as a “garden for the gardenless” and should continue to be inclusive.
Nonetheless, the council has opted to maintain the temporary barbecue ban in light of a heightened risk of wildfires during hot and dry conditions.
Reports indicate that Camden has the third-highest population in the country lacking access to private outdoor spaces.
While the council has not embraced a permanent ban, Mr. Harrison stated that the current regulations regarding barbecues are “kept under continuous review.”
The HVGPS has initiated an online petition to permanently prohibit barbecuing, garnering around 1,500 supporters.
Additionally, volunteers from the Waterlow Park Trust have joined the call for an outright ban.
Francis Wilkinson, chair of the trust’s Barbecue Working Group, remarked, “The events of this year highlight how Waterlow – the only public area in London where barbecues of any size are allowed – has become a casualty of its own popularity.”
However, the group acknowledges the issue but does not advocate for a permanent ban on barbecuing.
Council officials noted that the online petition, which they described as having a “relatively small number of signatures compared to the overall resident population,” does not accurately represent the broader community’s perspective.
