31 Jan 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
Stop the war demonstration
Hyde Park

Cllr Simon Milton, Leader of Westminster City Council said today:

"Westminster Council helps organise many hundreds of events in the centre of London each year. On every occasion the criteria is the same - will they offer a safe environment for participants and those who live and work in the capital ?

"We have grave concerns over this event which were shared by the Royal Parks and the Metropolitan Police. We support the decision of the Royal Parks to reject the proposal for a rally in Hyde Park. Getting hundreds of thousands of people into the Park at dusk without evidence of adequate stewarding, leadership or proposals for lighting or toilet facilities is potentially very dangerous.

"The right to protest is a democratic one that Westminster Council supports. But organisers of protests have to act responsibly, co-operate with the authorities and ensure the safety of those taking part in such events and other Londoners."

Editor's notes:
Westminster Council's Special Events and planning officers assist with the organisation of many hundreds of events each year (Around 400 in 2002). The number of events held in central London - from Film premieres, to the Notting Hill Carnival, political demonstrations and state events.

To fulfil Council's obligations to ensure event and filming activities are carried out safely, and with minimum disruption to other highway users, officers give advice and permission to event organisers or filming companies on issues relating to: Public health and safety, Crowd control, Proposed locations and routes, Noise and environmental parameters, Licensing , Road closures and parking suspensions. Preparations for staging an event can begin anything from one to twelve months in advanc