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NOGOE Turns Up The Heat On Olympic Organisers

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NOGOE have released a 36 page report which makes the case against using historic Greenwich Park as the venue for London 2012’s equestrian events. The detailed report sets out to describe the risks and practical difficulties, as they see it, of using the Royal Park for such an event.

The objections break down into four main points:

1 that it is potentially damaging for such an important site with its many ancient trees, archaeological remains and fragile ecology;
2 that not only will it be more expensive than alternative venues but it will leave no meaningful legacy from the very large financial and other economic costs incurred;
3 that the social and economic impact of closures of the Park and surrounding roads is out of all proportion;
4 that there are real doubts about the legality of some aspects of the proposals.

You can read the report for yourself on the NOGOE website.

This report follows hot on the heels that chamption eventer and 2012 medal hopeful, Zara Phillips, has also questioned the wisdom of Greenwich Park being an Olympic venue.

On a similar note, Darryl at the 853 blog has news of a public meeting on Wednesday 11th March to discuss issues surrounding the use of Greenwich Park for 2012.

UPDATE: Darryl’s write up of the meeting can be found here.

Zara Phillips Questions Greenwich Park Olympic Venue

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Zara Phillips has used an interview with The Times to question whether Greenwich Park is the right venue for London 2012’s equestrian events.

Phillips, who is the Queen’s eldest granddaughter and reigning Eventing World Champion, said that Windsor or Burghley would be better venues than Greenwich Park, with her main concern being the lack of equestrian legacy. She told the paper:

What is annoying is that they put something there and then take it all down afterwards… What’s the point of that?

Why don’t you do it to a space that can be used with a legacy, not Greenwich Park where people walk their dogs? I thought that was the whole point of bidding for the Games.

Phillips was awarded an MBE in 2007 for her services to equestrianism and is hoping to represent Team GB at London 2012 on her horse, Toytown.

Greenwich Society Votes Down Park Protestor’s Motion

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A Special General Meeting of the Greenwich Society was held on January 29th to vote on a motion put forward by member Michael Goldman, who is also the Chairman of NOGOE. The motion put before the SGM was that:

That this Society will oppose the construction or use of a course in Greenwich Park for the purpose of the cross country event to be held as part of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The motion was defeated by 86 votes to 58.

A second motion stating “that constructive dialogue the LOCOG and the other Olympic organisations is in the best interests of the Society” went unopposed.