Hendon Town Hall in spring
We recognise that recent international events are having very real and personal impacts on communities across Barnet, and on members of our Iranian community, in particular. These are uncertain and emotional times, and many people are understandably worried about friends and family abroad as well as what the future may hold.
Barnet – and Finchley in particular – is home the largest Iranian-heritage community in London, and both the Council and the Police want to offer support, reassurance, and a space for people to feel heard. The Iranian community plays a valued and long-standing role in Barnet’s cultural and social life.
Community identity, solidarity, and cultural expression are important, especially at significant times, and we know that recent large-scale gatherings in Finchley and Golders Green have been largely peaceful, positive, and celebratory. However, the scale and spontaneous nature of some events – even when good-natured – have created challenges for neighbouring residents and those wishing to travel through the area. We must balance the needs of all residents, ensuring safety, minimising disruption, and keeping neighbourhoods functioning smoothly.
The organisers of planned events and those attending any celebrations – whether planned or spontaneous – have a responsibility to keep the community safe and respect the wellbeing of everyone living, working, and travelling in the area.
In particular:
- All gatherings should be safe, lawful, and respectful of the neighbourhood. This includes respecting Barnet’s Public Space Protection Orders which prohibits letting off fireworks and street drinking. More details available here Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) | Barnet Council
- Roads, pavements, and access routes need to remain open, enabling emergency services and residents to move freely.
- Noise levels should be considerate, particularly in the evenings, due to the residential nature of the borough.
- Everyone attending events should follow police safety instructions, including at spontaneous gatherings.
- Please remain mindful of local residents, some of whom may feel anxious or disrupted by sudden crowds or loud celebrations.
We are aware that the Memorial Wall in Golders Green has become a particular gathering point for some parts of the community. While there have been no public complaints or objections about the wall itself, the presence of large crowds in a residential neighbourhood has caused concern.
The location of the wall cannot safely accommodate large crowds without significant safety, access, and noise issues, and recent large gatherings are having a detrimental impact on those living on the street. Visitors should be aware the site (hoardings around a private residential property) was not designed for public gatherings and large numbers arriving spontaneously causes a public safety issue which can only be appropriately managed if organisers are identified and appropriate notification given.
If communities do wish to hold gatherings to mark particular occasions or events anywhere in the borough, proper planning helps ensure events can take place safely and with minimal disruption to those living nearby. Therefore, where events are prearranged, the organisers must abide by the following:
- Organisers must notify the Council in advance of any planned event, gathering, or celebration.
- Sufficient notice is essential so appropriate planning can be put in place for safety, traffic management, and community impact
- Depending on the size and nature of an event, organisers may be required to pay for trained stewards and meet specific safety obligations, which may include the cost of road closures.
- More information is available on our website Barnet.Gov.uk or Apply to host an event in a Barnet park or open space
We thank you in advance for your consideration of neighbours as you mark some significant moments in Iran’s recent history.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams - North West BCU Commander
Detective Superintendent Katie Harber - Lead for Barnet Neighbourhood Policing
Cllr Barry Rawlings - Leader of Barnet Council
Cllr Sara Conway - Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Community Cohesion & Ending Violence Against Women & Girls