APPENDIX 24
Memorandum submitted by Southern Lea Valley
Federation
1. The press have been reporting the Government's
need to make a decision about supporting an Olympic Bid in the
next few weeks. Our federation represents many groups that have
been active in the southern part of the Lea Valley for decades.
We are concerned that proper consideration is given to what we
regard as 'a tranquil green lung' close to central London and
not an area of 'derelict land needing restoration'.
2. There is a lack of information about sites in
the Arup Report, which we take as indicating that green open spaces
are available as required. We will vigorously oppose any development
on our precious open spaces.
3. East London is densely populated and the green
open space is important for the liveability, health and wellbeing
of people living in East London, and hence for its regeneration.
The risk is that for 17 days of sport, some temporary jobs, facilities
that may get some occasional use post Olympics—and possibly
some good publicity—the open space and hence the quality
of life is being put at risk.
4. Another issue is planning blight. Hackney Wick
SRB has a Master Plan whose aim is to encourage jobs into Hackney
Wick. The impact of an Olympic bid would be to put a stop to any
planning for inward investment until decisions are reached, unsettle
those companies already in the area and risk current economic
activity. Those who will benefit most from this are the fly tippers
and the companies that hope to clear up the mess ahead of the
concreting over of the area for car parks, Olympic village etc.
5. There are many areas that we would like to see
improved and schemes have been talked about for years. If money
is available to bring the Olympic Games to London why is it not
available to enable these schemes to be completed? We are concerned
at the damage the Games could do to our "playground"
and tranquil open spaces for very shortterm gain.
6. In particular, having fought the M11 Link road
for 30 years, we would not want to see a road constructed from
Stratford up the Lea Valley. We want public transport improved
and we would welcome Crossrail, the Hackney to Chelsea line and
the restoration of the Low Hall curve to enable trains to travel
from Chingford to Stratford.
7. We urge you NOT to support the Olympic bid but
to invest in a longterm rejuvenation of this area protecting
the open spaces that make it an attractive place to live.
8 January 2003
| 
