Residents have praised police and park chiefs after 20,000 people climbed Primrose Hill to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks.
An increased police presence, more litter bins and extra toilets led to a significant drop in anti-social behaviour compared to last year, with the park cleaned up within three hours on New Year’s Day.
One year ago, residents awoke to find glass and even human faeces among debris strewn across the village after tens of thousands of people flocked to the park to watch the ticketed main firework display in central London for free.
But this year, horse racing pundit and Primrose Hill resident John McCririck took to Twitter to praise Camden Police.
He wrote: “Congrats after 3hrs clean #primrosehill Less broken glass thanks @MPSCamandPrim for your presence.”
Community campaigner Phil Cowan, of Albert Terrace, thanked Camden Police, the Royal Parks and ward councillors for improved measures this year, saying: “What a relief and a pleasure it was to see the celebrations on New Year’s Eve at Primrose Hill take place in a well managed, friendly and most importantly safe environment.
“In stark contrast to the previous year, the authorities took sensible and noticeable steps to ensure the event could be enjoyed by residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Comedy writer Karen Ross added on Twitter: “Excellent clean up job in Primrose Hill today. Thank you! So pleased everyone enjoyed and no damage.”
It was a busy night for Camden and Primrose Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team officer Pc Andrew Harris, who was on patrol in Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve.
The officer had to remove several people from the park after they let off fireworks on the hill but otherwise, there were few reports of anti-social behaviour.
He said: “There was a very friendly and sociable atmosphere, with everyone talking to each other and enjoying the moment.
“There was no hostility and no youth violence groups, just one big happy celebration for New Year’s.”
Mr McCririck would now like to see the hill re-turfed after the celebrations caused the park to turn into a “sea of mud”.
He told the Ham&High: “Need to get the grass surface sorted now - a sea of mud.”
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