Dear Petitioners
We are sure that, like us, you have enjoyed the return of normality to Waterlow Park - a peaceful environment, birdsong and fresh air! Ah the beauty of simple pleasures!
We are actively pushing for Camden Council to make the current BBQ ban permanent and have sent the letter below to the LBC manager of park services.
If we do not get assurance of a permanent charcoal barbecue ban we will consider presenting the petition to Camden Council and ask for it to be considered by a committee.
So thank you for your ongoing support and please encourage as many as possible to continue to sign the petition!
With best wishes
Helen and Lucy
From: Highgate Village Green Preservation Society
To:Gabi Howard, Park Services Manager, LBC
Cc:Lorna Russell (Cllr);Camron Aref-Adib (Cllr);Anna Wright (Cllr)
Tue 15/04/2025 14:25
Dear Gabi
With regard to Camden’s decision to no longer allow barbecues in Waterlow Park, you mention party-goers and the disruption they have caused, however we would like to draw your attention to the focus of our petition which is pollution and place. The petition is still gaining support and is close to having 1,000 signatories.
Park users and local residents would like to know:
1. When will a total and permanent ban of charcoal barbecues come into effect?
2. How has Camden Council rationalised their support of barbecues when it so clearly contradicts their own Clean Air initiatives?
3. Why has Camden sought to allow barbecues in their Open Green Spaces despite knowing the risk of pollution and subsequent environmental damage and why does their charcoal barbecue policy stand in such stark contrast to every other London Borough?
We appreciate your concern for the two in five without a garden - however park users are asking if this includes the likes of Miss Dee who can no longer gain respite in the park, or local residents who have to close their windows during the summer due to the smoke*, and does it include the visitors to family graves whose upset that their peace has been disturbed has been conveyed to you directly by Highgate Cemetery.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Helen and Lucy
References
https://www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/waterlow-park-is-not-a-place-for-barbecues
https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/the-many-barbecues-in-waterlow-park-have-changed-the-atmosphere-and-are-damaging-to-health