Park Olympic protestors will fight on

12:38pm Friday 10th October 2008

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PROTESTORS say they will continue to oppose the hosting of Olympic riding events at an historic park, despite organisers meeting with residents.

Greenwich Park has been selected as the venue for equestrian events in 2012, but concerns have been raised about damage to the site.

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) met with community groups the Friends of Greenwich Park, the Blackheath Society, the Greenwich Society, the Westcombe Society, the Royal Parks and Greenwich and Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford on October 6 to discuss its plans.

LOCOG claims it will minimise disruption, leave the park in the condition it was found in and consult with residents.

And it has published a brochure on the plans, including a provisional design of the cross country course, at london2012.com

The committee’s director of communications and public affairs Jackie Brock-Doyle said after the meeting: “We want to share our plans with as many people as possible in the borough as our plans develop.”

But chairman of campaign group NOGOE (No to Greenwich Olympic Equestrian Events) Michael Goldman said: “The design doesn’t change anything - in fact it makes things worse.”

His group has set up a petition against the cross country event on the Downing Street website, which currently has 2,242 signatures.

He said: “It looks as though the cross country course is planning to go through the flower garden.

“We adamantly oppose holding the cross country in the park at all and to have it crossing the flower garden I find incredible.”

Financial consultants KPMG are preparing a cost analysis of the Greenwich venues.

But Mr Goldman said: “Whatever the KPMG review states, NOGOE will continue to fight.”

A public meeting is due to be held by LOCOG before the end of the year, setting out designs and a projected timetable for works.