Residents in Finsbury Park, North London, are expressing their outrage over what they describe as a drastic decline in the area’s safety and environmental integrity. The concerns centre around reports of sexual gatherings and rampant drug use in the historic park, which spans 110 acres and dates back 150 years. Local community members and the Friends of Finsbury Park (FOFP) group have come forward with alarming allegations that the park has become a venue for mass outdoor sexual parties, with claims of gatherings involving up to 80 men.
These gatherings are said to leave a disturbing trail of litter, including hundreds of condoms, lubricant sachets, human waste, and remains of drug use, which significantly tarnish the ecological landscape of the park. Katie Dawson, chair of FOFP, described the aftermath of one such event stating, "The place was covered with an enormous amount of debris: ripped pants, hundreds of condoms, soiled wet wipes, packets of lube, human excrement, drugs and needles." She noted the destruction of shrub beds that supported local wildlife, reflecting a broader concern about the detrimental impact on the park’s natural habitats.
Ms Dawson articulated that although previous requests to secure the park at night have been met with budgetary constraints from Haringey Council, the income generated from summer events—such as the Wireless Festival, headlined by Drake—should allow for adequate funding to enhance safety measures. She stated, "The council say they have no money, but they host these massive concerts in the summer so they can probably afford to pay a park keeper to lock up the park and unlock it in the morning."
Residents share similar fears regarding safety, particularly for families. Local mother Gio Iozzi, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years, expressed grave concerns, stating, "It’s the Wild West of criminality. It has been abandoned by the police and councillors. Because it borders three boroughs, we feel no one's taking responsibility for it."
The stark reality of growing criminality in Finsbury Park has led to numerous distressing incidents, with reports of murders and sexual assaults contributing to the community's feelings of vulnerability. Residents, some likening the situation to scenes from the HBO crime drama 'The Wire', vent their frustrations over perceived hallmarks of negligence by local authorities.
Witness accounts detail unsettling experiences within the park, such as a young local's encounter last September when he and a friend inadvertently stumbled upon a group they believed was engaged in sexual activities. He remarked, "We were both left feeling unnerved," highlighting the perceived lack of security in the area.
In response to these pressing concerns, Dawson and others are advocating for the park to be locked at night, a practice adopted by other public parks in London. However, Councillor Emily Arkell, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Haringey Council, stated that the council is committed to keeping Finsbury Park open and accessible, only considering locks in "exceptional circumstances." She affirmed the council's initiatives, including the installation of CCTV and increased patrolling, aimed at curbing antisocial behaviour.
The Metropolitan Police have also indicated that they regularly monitor the park and encourage the community to report crimes. A spokesperson said, “Finsbury Park is a public space for everyone to enjoy and we would encourage all who use the park to do so respectfully and considerately.”
The ongoing situation in Finsbury Park continues to evoke intense emotions, as local residents grapple with concerns of safety and the future of their community’s shared space.
Source: Noah Wire Services