Written statement to Parliament

Olympics 2012: Use of Wanstead Flats

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp Home Office is today launching a public consultation on a proposed legislative reform order made under the Legislative and Regulatoryâ€�

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp Rt Hon Lord Herbert of South Downs CBE PC

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp Home Office is today launching a public consultation on a proposed legislative reform order, made under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006, to make a temporary amendment to the Epping Forest Act 1878. I am placing copies of the consultation paper in the library of the House.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp proposed legislative reform order would allow a one-time, temporary and limited enclosure of land on Wanstead flats, in Epping Forest. This will be for the specific, time-limited purpose of housing a temporary muster, briefing and deployment centre during the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to support the policing operation. Centres of this kind are a tried and tested feature of large-scale police operations and will be essential in helping to deliver a safe, and secure games. No other suitable sites have been identified in this part of London.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp government are clear that these proposals are dependent on the Epping Forest Act 1878 reverting to its full protection at the end of the proposed 120-day period. No lasting powers relating to Wanstead flats or Epping Forest would be conferred on the police or any other bodies as a result of this order. This will ensure that members of the public can continue to enjoy the full benefits of this open space in perpetuity. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp Metropolitan Police Service will pay the City of London Corporation £170,000 in lieu of rent and this money will be used to ensure that users of Wanstead flats receive lasting benefits.

16 September 2010

Date: Tue Sep 21 13:59:52 BST 2010

Updates to this page

Published 21 September 2010