Dear Supporters
We have been in communication with Camden Council as per the email chain below.
We still don't know how long the temporary BBQ ban is in place for!
We still don't know if/when Camden propose to change their underlying BBQ policy [which currently permits BBQs in all Camden open spaces, albeit with a current temporary ban] to one which prohibits BBQs permanently;
We still don't know why Camden allow polluting charcoal BBQs in direct contradiction to their clean air project and policies;
We still don't know why Camden, by having a policy to allow charcoal BBQs in all open spaces [albeit with a current temporary ban], insists on being at odds with every other 31 London Boroughs, thus inviting the predictable influx of motorists from across London to BBQ in Camden [more pollution!]
We will keep you posted
Best wishes
Helen
From: Gabi Howard
Sent: 11 April 2025 13:37
To: Highgate Village Green Preservation Society <godsavethevillagegreen@outlook.com>
Subject: RE: A call for Camden to Ban BBQs in Waterlow Park
Dear Helen and Lucy,
Our current position is:
Camden’s parks are vital spaces for our residents. Two out of five of our residents do not have access to a garden at their home and our parks offer beautiful spaces to relax, socialise and exercise. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and this means we will keep our policy of allowing barbecues in our parks in the summer under regular review.
We will not be allowing barbecues in Waterlow Park, which has seen large BBQ parties that have disturbed other users of the park. During the coming weeks, we will be keeping other parks under review.
We have noted and recorded your views. If there is a change to the current position in the future, we would of course engage with stakeholders.
Kind regards Gabi
Gabi Howard
Park Services Manager
From: Highgate Village Green Preservation Society <godsavethevillagegreen@outlook.com>
Sent: 15 April 2025 14:26
To: Gabi Howard , Park Services Manager Camden
Cc: Lorna Russell (Cllr) <Lorna.Russell@camden.gov.uk>; Camron Aref-Adib (Cllr) <Camron.Aref-Adib@camden.gov.uk>; Anna Wright (Councillor) <Anna.Wright@camden.gov.uk>
Subject: Re: A call for Camden to Ban BBQs in Waterlow Park
Dear Gabi
With regard to Camden’s decision to no longer allow barbecues in Waterlow Park, you mention party-goers and disruption they have caused while 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:
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 that their policy stands in 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
From: Gabi Howard <>
Sent: 12 May 2025 13:03
To: Highgate Village Green Preservation Society <godsavethevillagegreen@outlook.com>
Cc: Lorna Russell (Cllr) <Lorna.Russell@camden.gov.uk>; Camron Aref-Adib (Cllr) <Camron.Aref-Adib@camden.gov.uk>; Anna Wright (Councillor) <Anna.Wright@camden.gov.uk>; Katy Knight <Katy.Knight@camden.gov.uk>
Subject: RE: A call for Camden to Ban BBQs in Waterlow Park
Dear Helen, Lucy,
Our position has been confirmed [email 11 April 2025], if there is a change to the current position in the future, we would of course engage with stakeholders.
In respect to this we’d prefer it if you could remove the posters from the park promoting the petition.
Over the last few years, we have worked to mitigate environmental impacts of BBQs in the park, improved communications and management arrangements and over the seasons have been satisfied that most people are responsible. We developed and introduced BBQ zones via the TAG working group, so that people wishing and/or needing to avoid any localised smoke and air quality issues could avoid these areas.
Gabi Howard
Park Services Manager
Pronouns: She/Her
From: Highgate Village Green Preservation Society <godsavethevillagegreen@outlook.com>
Sent: 15 May 2025 16:57
To: Gabi Howard <>
Cc: Lorna Russell (Cllr) <Lorna.Russell@camden.gov.uk>; Camron Aref-Adib (Cllr) <Camron.Aref-Adib@camden.gov.uk>; Anna Wright (Councillor) <Anna.Wright@camden.gov.uk>; Katy Knight <Katy.Knight@camden.gov.uk>
Subject: Re: A call for Camden to Ban BBQs in Waterlow Park
Dear Gabi
Thank you for your email and statement on Camden's history regarding barbecues at Waterlow Park.
We appreciate Camden's decision, taken with TAG [Waterlow Park Trust Advisory Group], to confine the barbecues to the lower portion of the Park; you may be amused to know that when this decision was made, many likened it to introducing a weeing end in a swimming pool!
We really would like to know when the current temporary barbecue ban will become permanent, and when the unsightly ash bins will be removed.
In the meantime, we are worried that people are still barbecuing in the park, adjacent to the children's play area which is of real concern. Please can you ensure that security staff / park wardens will continue to be present and are prepared to take action against those who persist in barbecuing.
Best wishes
Helen and Lucy