Residents and businesses in Notting Hill have boarded up their properties in preparation for the Notting Hill Carnival, which is expected to attract around two million attendees this weekend. Approximately 7,000 Metropolitan Police officers and staff will be deployed to manage the event, following a record number of arrests last year, which included two stabbings and two murders.
Photos show local businesses, including a Tesco Express on Ladbroke Road, taking precautions by covering windows and entrances with protective boarding. The Metropolitan Police Federation chair, Paula Dodds, expressed concerns about officer welfare, stating that officers are 'already stretched beyond belief.'
This year's carnival will see more than 3,000 stewards on duty, double the usual number, after crowd control responsibilities were transferred from Scotland Yard to the event organizers, supported by an additional £4.66 million grant from Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
Concerns have been raised by Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group at the London Assembly, regarding security risks. She urged the Mayor to address these issues to ensure public safety. The Metropolitan Police have indicated that last year's policing operation cost approximately £15 million, and while they hope to reduce costs this year, it remains a significant financial burden amid budget challenges.
Security measures will include live facial recognition and number plate checks, weapon sweeps in known gang areas, and increased police patrols in parks. Organizers have also implemented enhanced crowd control measures, including a larger control room and additional CCTV cameras.
Hall emphasized the need for safety at public events, expressing concern that police resources are being cut while funding for the event increases. The police federation will monitor officer welfare closely during the carnival, ensuring they have adequate rest and access to food and water.