PROTESTERS who brought an Olympic development to a halt could be removed from the site after an application was made for an eviction order.

The construction of a temporary basketball training facility on Leyton Marsh, off Lea Bridge Road, stopped last week when residents and activists blocked lorries.

The Olympic Delivery Authority and landowner Lea Valley Park Authority have confirmed they have now applied to the High Court for an order which could see the protesters forcibly removed.

Campaigners are furious that the green space is being closed off to the public and fear the works could cause lasting damage to the beauty spot.

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) denied this and promised to return the land to its original condition.

The plan was controversially approved by Waltham Forest Council in February despite a petition opposing it signed by 1,250 people.

Save Leyton Marshes member Claire Weiss, 64, said: "The police have always said to us we are a peaceful protest and they have not taken any action to remove us or stop what we are doing.

"We'll have to see what the High Court says but the ODA is absolutely creating a terrible situation. "It's disastrous to see a green space being turned into big piles of rubble and asbestos, it's awful to see the damage."

Campaigner Matthew Waterfall, 33, of Manor Road in Leyton, added: "If there's an eviction then it's very disappointing. It doesn't surprise me the authorities would seek to shut down any show of dissent."

An ODA spokesman said: "We regret that it has been necessary to pursue this course of action, but have no option in order to fulfil the ODA’s obligations to provide practice facilities for Olympic and Paralympic athletes."

A spokeswoman for Lee Valley Park said: "We always take action where we have knowledge of an unlawful use of our land and in this case we are keen to safeguard Leyton Marsh."

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