Camden Council said on Wednesday it will no longer allow BBQs in Waterlow Park, Highgate, despite the recent heatwave. This decision comes after locals complained about party-goers littering, fighting and even defecating in the bushes.

The council said that the ban was due to 'parties' gathering in hot weather and disturbing other park users.

The decision followed a petition by residents who were concerned about pollution and the impact on the grass and wildlife.

One local resident described "massive events" that attracted a "huge influx of people" who played loud music, used barbecues in both designated and undesignated areas, and engaged in inappropriate behaviour such as "defecating in the bushes" and "fighting".

On Thursday (April 10), most residents in Waterlow Park expressed their approval of the ban, citing issues with excessive smoke and intimidating crowds. However, some felt it was a pity, noting that many Londoners without gardens have no other options for outdoor gatherings.

Sarah Humphries, 70, was one of those who welcomed the ban, expressing her strong opposition to barbecues. She said: "I'm completely against the barbecues. The smell of the smoke is just awful."

She added: "I actually have to avoid the park at weekends because of it. I do sympathise with people who have nowhere else to go - but it just isn't right here.

"People come in such large groups and I can't even tell you, there is so much smoke."

Elsie Smith, 67, expressed relief at the decision, stating: "We used to never be able to come here on weekends because there was smoke everywhere."

She added, "It's bad for your health and the environment.

"And the people who came with barbecues weren't local - so it stopped residents using the park.

"I'm relieved, to be honest. People should have picnics instead. Then everyone can enjoy the park without being smoked out."

Renata, 54, echoed similar sentiments, saying: "I'd say the ban is a good thing.

"This has been my local park for the last 20 years so I've noticed the effects barbecues have had."

Renata pointed out the damage caused by barbecues, stating, "The grass is burnt - and there's a danger of wildfires. It just takes one accident for things to go up.

"There's a lot of smoke - which is bad for people and nature - and the big parties can be pretty intimidating."

Jeffrey, 80, voiced his concerns about the risk of fires, saying: "I'm undecided on barbecues as a whole, but on this one, I'd probably have to side with the council."

He emphasised the importance of acknowledging the risk of wildfires.

However, not all locals agreed with the ban. Max, 26, considered it "a shame", explaining: "I just think most people living in London, or at least, most young people living in London, don't have any outdoor space - so this is the only way they can have a barbecue."

He lamented the loss of a British summertime tradition: "And barbecues are such a British summertime thing - so it's sad we have to miss out on that."

Michelle, 55, echoed Max's sentiments: "There's a sign here which calls this park a 'garden for the gardenless'. And that's true. Families and communities came together for barbecues which I think is lovely."

Acknowledging potential issues, she added, "I understand if there are issues in terms of damage and safety, but there used to be a designated barbecue space, and I think that worked well. It's a shame that has to go."

Camden Council said it wants everyone to be able to enjoy the park and will keep the policy "under regular review".

A spokesperson said: "Camden's parks are vital spaces for our residents.

"Two out of five of our residents do not have access to a garden at their home and our parks offer beautiful spaces to relax, socialise and exercise.

"We want everyone to enjoy themselves and this means we will keep our policy of allowing barbecues in our parks in the summer under regular review."