Durning Hall Community Centre hoped perhaps that 50 people would attend. But
instead, the number was nearer 250, with the centre's main hall packed to
capacity with local people wanting answers to plans by the Metropolitan Police
to base its Olympics operational centre on Wanstead Flats during 2012.
My earlier posts (here
<http://www.blowe.org.uk/2010/06/met-seeks-permission-for-olympic.html> and
here
<http://www.blowe.org.uk/2010/06/latest-on-plans-for-olympic-policing.html> )
on this issue said that this proposal involved enclosing part of the Flats for
90 days, but as I found out this evening, this has already jumped to 120 days,
a fact confirmed by a new information page on the City of London Corporation's
website
<http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_planning/Parks_and_open_spaces/Epping_Forest/Police+use+of+Wanstead+Flats+for+2012+Games.htm>
that makes clear what decision it would prefer to make.
But now the Corporation has a real fight on its hands - a variety of different
objections to any attempt to amend the law that has protected Wanstead Flats
for well over a century were rehearsed in detail at tonight's event. Those in
attendance ranged from the more middle-class residents who live near to the
Flats to members of the local Asian community, lads who have played football
there and pensioners who have enjoyed its open space since they were children.
And without exception, they are really angry.
A campaign has been formed, with thirty volunteers for its steering group. The
plan is for a second public meeting, with representatives of the Corporation,
Newham and Redbridge councils and the Met police coming along. They will be
asked to explain why the site west of Centre Road has been chosen, how that
decision was made and why the Olympic stadium site itself cannot be used.
People also want to know why there has been so little consultation - and what
possessed those who drew up the plans to stick what will be a high security
enclave, "Fort Apache Wanstead Flats", so close to a residential area.
Tonight's meeting really was excellent and a great start. Many thanks to
whoever suggested a collection and to everyone who helped raised 185 towards
future flyers. An information sheet with the contact information of key
decision-makers, plus some initial unanswered questions, will be available from
Durning Hall's reception desk from tomorrow.
Courtesy of Kevin Blowe