Please sign if you don't want Primrose Hill to be gated and locked at night.  We want to tackle the current problems without resorting to constructing gates.  We want positive encouragement of behaviour change rather than all losing the freedom to enjoy the hill day or night. 

Primrose Hill is the only park in Central London that is not locked at night. The gates were removed as a result of resident action 50 years ago. Locals wanted all Londoners to be able to enjoy the freedom of the park at night. Enjoying walks before or after dawn. Sitting on the hill looking over London is pure magic (just ask William Blake). Enjoying space, nature and community. Primrose Hill is one of the jewels of London to be shared by all. We must not lose this. 

During lockdown Primrose Hill has attracted groups of young people congregating on the hill throughout the night. There have been many local complaints against violence, noise, litter and people using the park as a toilet. This has led to a concerted campaign by some locals, and Conservative Councillors to permanently gate the park and close it every night for all. Whilst no one undermines the fact that there are temporary problems we believe that these can be nipped in the bud. Wardens and better policing, fines for music and littering, proper enforcement of park rules, temporary toilets, are all options that must be explored. We strongly believe that positive encouragement of behaviour change is a better way to address these issues than everyone losing out.

When lock down eases and young people (who have been completely disproportionally affected by the pandemic) have somewhere else to go then the problem will fizzle out. The suggestion of erecting gates and permanent closure of the park is disproportionate and unnecessary. And walking round the park is great for positive mental health. 

We have all lost so many freedoms and pleasures in the last year it would be a tragedy if a temporary situation caused the loss of one more. Primrose Hill is proud to be an open minded and welcoming community and we would like it to remain that way. Sitting in Primrose Hill during the night was a great London pleasure and one that will be missed by us all.  Open minds not closed gates.