‘London Fields is not a festival site’ says Cllr Jon Burke
90 per cent of the 171 fines issued at London Fields since lockdown began have been for urination. Picture: Polly Richards - Credit: Polly Richards
Hackney council is once again urging residents to respect the borough’s parks after “unacceptable scenes” of people urinating, defecating and littering at London Fields continue to be reported.
Angry residents have taken to twitter to vent frustration over people using London Fields, neighbouring streets, doorways and other surfaces as a “public loo”.
Hackney Council Environmental Chief Cllr Jon Burke said: “London Fields is not a festival site - it’s for everyone in the community. Yet again, last weekend saw thoroughly unacceptable behaviour in the park, with sound systems, urinating, defecating, excessive amounts of litter and noise well into the night.
“Our staff are working tirelessly to keep parks maintained and safe for those who don’t have outside space, but the selfish actions of a few are preventing local residents from being able to enjoy the park. We’ve already taken extensive measures - at significant cost to the council - but are continuing to work with residents on further measures.”
READ MORE: Councillor angered by people partying on Hackney Marshes
The toilets at London Fields are open to park users but a combination of long queues, the availability of alcohol in the area and subsequent consumption as well as illegal street parties has meant people taking to the streets to relieve themselves - much to the dismay of residents living near the park.
Twitter user @LondonFields12, who asked to be referred to by their online handle, said: “People constantly urinating, defecating & vomiting in front of our flat at London Fields.
“[We] have seen some fines issued but it’s ongoing and out of hand [and we] can see it all out of our front window and in front of our kids.
Most Read
- 1 Man in 'life-threatening' condition after Hackney shooting
- 2 Apothecary: Japanese-inspired small plates combine with Shoreditch vibes
- 3 Housing plan for De Beauvoir estate approved – despite environmental concerns
- 4 Ongoing gas leak after fire and explosion in Shoreditch
- 5 'Hello Mum' - WhatsApp scammers posing as children steal over £1.5m
- 6 Hundreds of children strip searched by Met Police
- 7 Hackney brain tumour patient mum raises money for hospice
- 8 'Risk of injury' - Aldi recalls product due to safety fears
- 9 From college student to stage performer: How All Points East Festival is helping young artists
- 10 Mogwai added to All Points East after King Gizzard pull out for health reasons
“[Our] disabled neighbour is having to guard her garden. Every weekend - [it] needs to stop.”
Since the start of lockdown the council says it has issued 171 fines at London Fields for littering and urination. They say 90 per cent of the fines handed out were for urination and during last week alone 58 fines were issued.
READ MORE: Hackney Council runs out of paper issuing park littering and urinating fines
Another resident, who preferred not to be named, told the Gazette about similar issues in Millfields Park in Lower Clapton. They spoke of large gatherings and “bikes, booze, kids, barbecues and litter”.
They told the Gazette: “These people have maybe defected from London Fields. We don’t want this either!”
An enhanced policing operation was implemented across London on June 25 to deal with unlicensed music events, block parties and raves.
Commander Bas Javid said: “We remain in a public health crisis and these unlicensed events are illegal. Our role is to keep our communities safe and people can expect to see a heightened police presence out in areas where we know these events are taking place. This is in direct response to concerns expressed by our communities, many of whom were scared and shocked by the events taking place outside their homes.
“We have taken the decision to deploy these additional officers in enhanced personal protective equipment. We want to reassure communities that this is as a precautionary measure for the safety of our officers, and they will continue to engage with the communities they police.”