The London Olympics, due to be held in 2012, have hit another problem. It seems that plans by Olympic developers to move a premier cycle track to contaminated land close to the M25 have not gone down well with cycle groups.
Eastway cycling circuit is currently home to a number of cycling groups, and has been so for the last 31 years.
However, it lies in the path of the Olympics and is considered to be an obstacle by those who wish to develop the site.
The London Development Agency (LDA) wishes to close the site down in September and move it to Rammey Marsh, Enfield. However, users say that the location is unsuitable.
The Eastway Users Group (EUG) says that the proposed site is contaminated, and that it has poor air quality due to its proximity to the M25.
Michael Humphreys of EUG is quoted as saying:
"We have around 26 hectares at Eastway but the proposed relocation, once planning constraints and the expansion of the M25 in 2008 are taken into consideration, will give us between six and seven hectares.
We have found a location at Hogg Hill in Forest Road, Redbridge, which would be perfect. But although the LDA says it has the funds to explore and develop this possibility, it has gone ahead with a planning application for Rammey Marsh."
A spokesman for the LDA said:
"Unlike Hogg Hill, we know at the moment Rammey Marsh is a deliverable site and will ensure continuity of provision."
Mr Humphreys is not convinced:
"We're getting confused messages from the LDA. It seems that at no time has it had any intention to send us anywhere but Rammey Marsh.
If this happens it will be disastrous and hundreds of youngsters will lose out."
Under these circumstances you can be sure of one thing, money wins over the rights of individuals every time.
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