Anger over Primrose Hill 'ring of stone'

Plans to transform Grade II-listed Primrose Hill summit, famed for its romantic walks and panoramic views, are under fire.

Royal Parks, responsible for maintaining the space, wants to put down golden gravel, York stone edging carved with a representation of the view, and to replace the two traditional benches with four backless ones.

The hill, which provided the set for the opening credits of the movie Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, was also used for filming Notes On A Scandal, Career Girls, The Fourth Protocol and Blur's music video For Tomorrow.

Royal Parks, which is putting its proposals to Camden council planners, says the work will make the area more attractive to visitors, while fixing problems with drainage and wear and tear.

But Malcolm Kafetz, chairman of the Friends of Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, said: "We don't like it. Putting an expensive stone ring around it is stupid, because you can't replace it easily and the view is changing." Royal Parks has also faced criticism from the family of Peter Stevens, to whom one of the memorial benches is dedicated, who say they were not consulted.

Royal Parks said the bench dedication plaques would be moved to two of the new seats. A spokeswoman said: "We are keen to improve the arrangement and quality of the hard surfaces at the summit while retaining the essential character of the hill."