A north London neighbourhood is fed up with tourists flocking to their street to take photos of the famous ‘Paddington’ house – and fear the issue will get worse ahead of the new film’s release.
To mark the new blockbuster – Paddington in Peru – Airbnb is bringing ‘32 Windsor Gardens’ – the fictional home of The Brown family to life.
But residents on Chalcot Crescent, the real London street where the film was shot – have told they’re tired of their neighbourhood being ‘pimped out’ for publicity.
Linzi Lighton’s 61-year-old mother lives in the area and told Metro there’s no reason to turn neighbourhoods into ‘billboards and advertising’.
She said: ‘I think it’s a bad idea all round and this area already has a lot of tourism. Having lived off Portobello Road for many years, it is inundated with tourists who want to come and take pictures of the bookshop.
‘It’s turning your own neighbourhood into a zoo. It’s aggravating and stressful. Everybody has rights, but I believe the people that live here have more rights than the people who visit here.’
Another resident on the street told Metro he was more displeased by the first two Paddington films than the temporary Airbnb.
‘Someone is making money out of it, by renting out the home, but everyone else is getting the spillover effects,’ they said.
‘This area used to be much quieter than it is now. It’s not anymore, particularly due to the rise of social media.
‘I want less filming in the area. I definitely don’t want Paddington 4. The good thing about this film is that Paddington is in Peru, which is the best place for him – as it’s a long way away from here.’
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They added that anyone who owns a home on the colourful street who chooses to rent it out again for such a promotion is either ‘very brave – or foolhardy’.
Metro was handed a document by one resident of the street detailing their concerns about the upcoming Airbnb and the media attention ahead of Paddington 4’s release.
In it, residents outlined concerns claiming they did not receive copies of press releases, plans of the ‘shell fit out’, a website set up for the residents to have transparency on the project, or Airbnb vouchers for those who live on either side of the temporary Airbnb – all of which, one resident tells Metro, was ‘promised’.
The document added: ‘Overall, we are getting tired of feeling that our street is being pimped out by corporations for their profit.’
An Airbnb spokesperson told Metro: ‘As part of our partnership to redecorate the home, Airbnb has made donations to local Community Association initiatives, such as a flagship food programme and local library, to acknowledge this vibrant London neighbourhood.
‘Over the past few weeks, Airbnb has been and will continue to be in direct conversation with local residents throughout the redecoration.’
But not everyone is upset with the Paddington-mania. One resident leaving his home told Metro there’s always tourists snapping photos – but he hadn’t noticed an increase in visitors as the movie release approaches.
‘This situation seems like the traditional storm in a teacup,’ one said.
Tourists Claire and her daughters Molly and Isobel were snapping photos of the bright brick homes, and told Metro they had popped down to see the famous street.
‘It’s what people living in a famous area should expect,’ she said.
Labour Councillor for Primrose Hill, Matt Cooper, told Metro: ‘Primrose Hill is a wonderful place to visit with beautiful views, great pubs, restaurants, and cafes as well as a range of fantastic independent shops.
‘It’s important to remember that Primrose Hill residents have a right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of their homes.
‘Visitors should remain respectful – and businesses like AirBnB should consider the impact they have on residents’ lives.’
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