Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
ONE RESPONDENT SAID THE EVENT
SHOULD BE MOVED TO PORT STANLEY
LOCAL residents have given their suggestions when asked what changes they want to see at next year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
The festival took place two on August 27 to 29 and now a meeting has been set up for those living in the area to suggest improvements for 2023.
Officials from Westminster Council and Kensington and Chelsea met on September 7 to talk to the community about their recommendations for an enhanced carnival experience.
Before the meeting, locals had already shared their improvements to online community groups.
Among proposals were members of the community who would rather see the celebration of Caribbean culture “moved abroad” and those who thought a “dress code” should be implemented.
There were also serious ways in which people thought improvements could be made. A key theme among residents was the urge for more public toilets to be put in place.
One of those calling for more toilets was a local, who said: “More access to sanitized toilets without charge, Covid19 hasn’t gone away, keep it clean.
“More protection for people’s front doors/homes, there were people defecating and urinating on doorsteps.”
Another woman added: “I can’t go (to the meeting), but if anybody reads this, can you ask for THOUSANDS more toilets, anywhere & everywhere including along the canal. Preferably free – I heard many people saying it was a joke to ask £3, and obviously people don’t feel any shame about going to the toilet in public, so long as it’s on somebody else’s doorstep!”
One lady praised the festival, but also called for more toilets, adding: “I attended both days and been going since a child. This was one of the best carnivals by far, great atmosphere and energy. More toilets needed that are fit.”
Another seemingly annoyed resident did not have any improvements and instead asked for the carnival to be moved abroad.
He said: “My suggestion is to move the carnival to Port Stanley.”
More rogue proposals came from a woman who said that certain clothes should be banned.
She suggested: “Carnival dress code? I saw people wearing next to nothing.”
Toilets were a hot topic, but so was the safety of attendees.
Some of those commenting to the community group said that road closures were making the carnival unsafe.
One said: “They defo need more open roads so people can actually get out of carnival without being crushed.”
Another man supported this view, saying: “They definitely need more open roads for the carnival then it might run more smoothly and people won’t be getting crushed as it was manic on Ladbroke Grove.”
Another simply put: “Health and Safety for attendees?”