We, the undersigned residents of the Swiss Cottage area, are deeply concerned about the ongoing protests that take place every Friday from 16:30 to 18:30 outside Swiss Cottage Library. These protests are an unacceptable disruption to our community life, creating an intimidating environment that is unsafe and unsuitable, especially for our children.

Impact on Swiss Cottage Library and Community Hubs:

The noise from these protests seeps into Swiss Cottage Library, a place of calm and quiet that residents rely on for study, work, and relaxation. However, it is now impossible to use this vital community hub during the protest hours due to the loud disturbances.

The protests also take place near the Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, Community Centre, and Open Space, all of which are frequented by families, particularly those with young children. The protests coincide with the timing of Better Swim School for Beginners and Junior Gym, exposing children to an intimidating environment of loud noise, masked agitators, and potential harm. This has caused fear and concern among parents and families who no longer feel safe bringing their children to these council facilities.

Additionally, we are concerned that protesters have been observed hanging signs on council property, often displaying offensive language and messages unsuitable for children. This further contributes to the intimidating and unsettling environment, making it difficult for parents to shield their children from inappropriate content while using public spaces meant for the community's enjoyment.

Safety Concerns:

In recent weeks, the North Side of Avenue Road has been effectively blocked off, forcing children and pedestrians onto the busy Finchley Road, creating a dangerous situation that could easily lead to accidents. The introduction of barriers has made the street unsafe and inaccessible, particularly for children and adults who are using the council facilities, and the proximity to the main entrance of Swiss Cottage makes it difficult for locals to avoid these protests.

As a result, many parents have had to stop taking their children to their regular Friday activities due to the unsafe and intimidating environment created by the protests. This serious and unacceptable disruption in a residential area is not only inconvenient but also unsettling and fear-inducing for residents of nearby buildings, such as the Regency, who are disturbed weekly by the noise and chaos.

In addition to this, there have been alarming reports of assaults and aggressive and intimidating behaviour by some protestors towards residents and passersby. This includes incidents of verbal abuse, with some protestors holding racist placards and displaying hate-filled messages that have have no place in our community. Particularly concerning is the targeting of the area’s large Jewish community, with some placards and chants containing anti-Semitic rhetoric, which has heightened fear and concern among residents. Such actions not only disturb the peace but also contribute to an environment of fear and hostility, particularly for ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups. The presence of such hate speech and the risk of physical altercations have made it increasingly unsafe for residents, especially children, to navigate these areas during protest hours. This escalation of hostility further underscores the urgent need for police intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of all community members.

Call to Action:

We, the residents of Swiss Cottage, are calling on the police to take decisive action to protect our community. Specifically, we ask that these disruptive protests be either shut down or relocated to a safer area, away from our vital community hubs, local schools, and residential spaces.

These protests have now become a weekly fixture that intimidate our community, instill fear and concern, and cause unacceptable disruption to our daily lives. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. Our community’s safety and peace, particularly for our children, must be the priority.

We urge the authorities to act now—swiftly and effectively. 

Please sign this petition to support our call for a safer and more peaceful Swiss Cottage.