Tight Olympic Timetable

The timetable for the preparations for the London 2012 Olympics is "extremely tight", according to submissions made to the public inquiry into the compulsory purchase orders for land in Stratfod (the London site of the Games).

David Higgins, chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), said that no building work could begin on the East London Olympic Park until all the land needed is in public control.

Many firms and residents are fighting eviction from the Lower Lea Valley. They fear that they are being ripped off, in the push to acquire the land.

Higgins said:

"There is a considerable amount of work to carry out, let alone work commencing on the major facilities.

The timetable is extremely tight, and for the facilities to be completed for commissioning and test events from mid-2011, the land must be in the control of the LDA (London Development Agency) and the ODA by the summer of 2007 at the latest."

Gareth Blacker, the director of development for the London Development Agency which must get hold of the land, told the inquiry:

"We are still negotiating with the other landowners in the Olympic zone and continuing to try and make agreements with them."

The inquiry will make a recommendation to the trade and industry secretary, who will make a decision on the compulsory purchase orders.

If they are confirmed, the LDA will serve notice on all owners, leaseholders, tenants and occupiers.

I think it fair to say that the political pressure, behind the scenes, will ensure that the Olympic juggernaut rides roughshod over the rights of the individuals who are currently objecting to the purchase orders.