Residents near Finsbury Park in North London are sounding the alarm after reports of escalating crime and disturbing events happening in the popular green space.
Concerns over safety have been growing for years, with some locals now calling for the park to be locked at night.
They claim it’s become a hotspot for illegal activities, including drug dealing, violent crimes, and even large orgies.
Sex Parties and Crime Spark Local Outrage
Finsbury Park, a beloved 150-year-old space, has recently become the center of controversy.
After an event last weekend, where a reported 80 men participated in a massive sex party, the park was left in a state of disarray.
“It’s grisly,” said Katie Dawson, chair of the Friends of Finsbury Park charity, expressing her deep concern over the destruction caused by these gatherings.
The sex party reportedly left behind not only waste but also ruined shrub beds that were vital to the park’s wildlife.
Many parents are now preventing their children from going near the park, once a family-friendly space.
The increasing reports of inappropriate behavior and destruction have led some to liken it to scenes from the crime drama The Wire, with residents claiming they feel abandoned by local authorities and law enforcement.
A Community in Crisis: Who’s Responsible for Finsbury Park’s Safety?
Local mother Gio Iozzi, who has lived in the area for over 20 years, voiced her frustration, calling the situation “the Wild West of criminality.”
She believes the park has become a free-for-all for illegal activities, with group sex and even murders taking place in the shadows.
The park’s location, bordering three boroughs, has created confusion about who should be held accountable for the park’s deteriorating state.
“I feel totally unsupported,” said Iozzi. “The police and councillors seem to have abandoned it, and the council is profiting from it without addressing the real problems.”
Many residents share her sense of insecurity, with one young local recounting how he stumbled upon an orgy in the park last September.
“It’s shocking that this stuff is allowed to continue,” he said, adding that a lack of security and the sheer number of people involved left him feeling unnerved.
A Call for Action: Locking the Park at Night
As frustration grows, local groups like the Friends of Finsbury Park (FOFP) have called for the park to be locked at night to help prevent the situation from worsening.
They point to other London parks, like Victoria Park and Battersea Park, which already follow this practice, claiming it could be an effective deterrent against the antisocial behavior plaguing their green space.
Katie Dawson and other community members argue that with an annual budget of over £1.2 million, the council could easily afford to fund a park keeper to lock and unlock the park every day.
“It’s just nonsense. They just don’t care about the park,” said Dawson, expressing frustration with the local council’s inaction.
Council’s Response: Safety Measures and Ongoing Efforts
In response, Councillor Emily Arkell from Haringey Council explained that while the council aims to keep Finsbury Park open and accessible, they have implemented safety measures to address the concerns.
These measures include CCTV, increased patrols, and overhead lighting.
Arkell emphasized that the council would only consider locking the park in “exceptional circumstances,” as it is essential to the community for commuting, exercising, and enjoying the outdoors.
Additionally, the police have been active in patrolling the park, with a representative urging parkgoers to report any criminal activity directly to the police.
“We are all determined to stamp this out in Finsbury Park,” said a Met Police spokesman, reassuring residents that criminal behavior would be investigated and those responsible would face consequences.
Ongoing Tensions: The Community’s Fight for a Safer Park
As the debate continues, residents of Finsbury Park remain divided.
Many want urgent action to restore safety to their neighborhood, while others believe that maintaining an open, accessible park is crucial for the community.
The situation remains tense, and the future of Finsbury Park hangs in the balance as local authorities and residents navigate the complex challenge of balancing safety and accessibility.