Title

Merrick Cockell, in whose borough the annual Notting Hill Carnival takes place, adds up the cost of staging the annual August Bank Holiday pageant, and finds it well worth all the organisation and planning.

This means a massive clean-up operation which kicks in through Sunday and Monday nights. Last year, 185 tonnes of rubbish were taken away from the streets of north Kensington, although it was only possible to recycle 5.4 tonnes. But, although the total quantity of rubbish is amazing, it represents only part of the story. Pavements and roads have to be washed.

And, of course, despite the number of temporary loos we provide (309) in the area, there will never seem to be enough, and anti-social behaviour occurs. A couple of years ago, this even extended to would-be entrepreneurs stealing four of the loos and attempting to charge the public to use them! 

Not only do we take our own responsibilities seriously, but we continue to work closely with the event organiser, London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd. As part of our local area agreement, we have a project in place to improve their professionalism and provide a year-round organisation capable of sourcing funding and sponsorship, as well as the detailed planning that must be the responsibility of the organisers and not, by default, local councils. So, with each Notting Hill Carnival, we all work to make the event safer and more enjoyable for those attending and participating – just as you would for the next party you host.

Merrick Cockell is leader of Kensington & Chelsea RLBC and chairman of London Councils