Lambeth Council’s decision to shut Brockwell Park’s gates has ignited a national debate. Is the move necessary in light of the actions of a selfish minority flouting the rules, or is it an over-the-top response that will do more damage than good?
The move was announced on Saturday evening, when the local authority which manages the park bordering Herne Hill, Brixton and Tulse Hill said more than 3,000 people had visited to enjoy the warm weather throughout the day.
At Friday’s press briefing, held at Downing Street, chief nursing officer Ruth May pleaded with the public to think of the two NHS nurses who died from Coronavirus in the last week – both mothers in their 30s – and stay at home.
It was a message reiterated on Saturday but one that is also being continually ignored by a minority.
Although people are allowed to go out for an “essential” shopping, travel, or work, and daily exercise outside, these directives are being misinterpreted – deliberately or otherwise.
Many have criticised the government’s communication strategy, saying there is a lack of clarity about what counts as ‘essential’.
This morning, health secretary Matt Hancock warned all outdoor exercise could be banned. He said images of people sunbathing outside yesterday were ‘unbelievable’.
Despite clear advice, over 3000 people spent today in Brockwell Park, many of them sunbathing or in large groups. This is unacceptable. Unfortunately, the actions of a minority now means that, following police advice, Brockwell Park will be closed tomorrow. #StayHome
— Lambeth Council (@lambeth_council) April 4, 2020
The police are already patrolling public spaces and dispersing groups, with officers out today (Sunday) – reminding that picnics are not allowed. Thirty officers are on patrol throughout Southwark alone tasked with enforcing the lockdown.
https://twitter.com/OwenPyleInsp/status/1246733697337999360
There certainly have been examples poor behaviour. But, as many have pointed out, 3,000 is not a large number compared with the overall population living in the park’s catchment area.
Over 71,000 people live within Helen Hayes’ Dulwich and West Norwood constituency covers large parts of Brixton and Herne Hill. Brockwell Park is the largest, nearest park to many of those residents.
Brockwell park today at 16.04 hours https://t.co/1OYdGLB79O pic.twitter.com/PR4XW14i3x
— Robert Harrison (@ieattothebeat) April 4, 2020
Close all the parks in London, since some people don't understand that they must stay at home.#StayAtHome #Quarantine #Londonparks https://t.co/DNfKMtF1pc
— Francesca Brooks (@londonarts26) April 4, 2020
No, why shut down parks, where will children who live in flats go to exercise? More space means more distancing!
— Luminous Tribe (@luminoustribe) April 4, 2020
There are now fears it could be the start of more stringent measures – with other parks following suit. Southwark’s local politicians have already highlighted their frustrations with those behaving like they’re enjoying a bank holiday.
Although Southwark Council-run parks remain open, this could be overruled if the government decided to move ahead with a further crackdown.
Out in Burgess Park – why are you playing table tennis in the CLOSED childrens’ playground? – why are you playing a football match? – why are you SUNBATHING? – why are you having drinks? I know it’s nice out & many of you don’t have gardens but nearly 700 people died today alone.
— Rebecca Lury (@rebeccalury) April 3, 2020
I could not agree more almost cried seeing this pic.twitter.com/4gMD43Mk5h
— H (@HarrietSmallies) April 3, 2020
Others believe a culture of blaming is targeting the wrong people, with many urging Southwark Council to avoid taking similar measures due to the high number of families living in over-crowded housing in the borough – and difficulty walking two metres apart in often narrow pavements.
In Walworth many homes do not have access to outside space. We urge @lb_southwark not to take the draconian measures deployed in Lambeth when the vast majority of people are following the rules. https://t.co/5HQkENbEFW
— Faraday Labour (@FaradayLabour) April 5, 2020
Please don't close the parks in Southwark, many people rely on them who don't have gardens or balconies. People shouldn't be gathering in them in groups but as part of a daily walk it is much more beneficial for the mind to experience greenery and flowers than tarmac pavements.
— Adele Morris (@AdeleLibDem) April 5, 2020
Brockwell Park is huge and 3000 people in one day isn’t that many. If you’ve got staff to apparently count people all day, then enforce the rules rather than deprive people without gardens of masses of public space. https://t.co/WVA2T0NNmQ
— The Poisonous Euros Atmosphere Fan (@DawnHFoster) April 4, 2020
We’re sad that they’ve decided to close #Brockwellpark our daily walks there were keeping us sane(ish) ?narrow footpaths near us make getting out to exercise difficult and like lots of others, we have no garden.
— Caroline Chestnutt (@c_chestnutt) April 5, 2020
Yikes! An empty Brockwell Park and those taking legitimate exercise are now unavoidably close on the pavements. Seems more dangerous @lambeth_council? pic.twitter.com/vhs6gCKI2m
— Kate (@GlensideKate) April 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/hannoir/status/1246711480428396544
Brockwell Park is 50.8 hectares of space. Even if all 3000 people were in there at the same time they could have 169 square metres alone each. You're taking green space away from many who have no other option.
Please deal with the groups instead of collectively punishing. https://t.co/fvep2G4JEu
— Wail Qasim (@WailQ) April 4, 2020
An alternative suggestion has come from Harriet Harman, who called for Southwark Council to find a way to stagger park entry and exercise times by street to reduce the number of joggers, walkers and visitors during peak times.
This could also help ensure people using wheelchairs and walking aids, and those pushing buggies, can make use of tarmac paths still being dominated by joggers.
We need park rotas in crowded city areas so all can get their share of our wonderful public green spaces for safe exercise esp families w young children in flats https://t.co/JGYpwFzTgn
— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) April 4, 2020
So far this morning, the majority of people are still doing the right thing. Let’s hope it stays that way.
Burgess Park early this morning, few people and all socially distancing ?? pic.twitter.com/xpeY5djbe8
— Camberwell Cat (@camberwellcat) April 5, 2020
Share your views – email editor@southwarknews.co.uk