A COURT has banned protesters from blocking construction of an Olympic training centre on public land.

A mix of local people and Occupy London protest movement members set up camp on Leyton Marshes, bringing a halt to the construction of temporary basketball courts last week.

But the High Court granted an injunction on Thursday (April 4) on behalf of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) which prevents the campaigners from blocking vehicles' access to the site for 14 days.

The High Court is due to decide today on whether to serve an eviction order on protesters following a request by landowner the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

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 ODA has denied this and promised to return the land to its original condition.

The Save Leyton Marshes group said it plans to challenge the eviction and any attempt by the ODA to renew its injunction.

Member Caroline Day said: "It's disappointing it's been granted but we're committed to fight it in two weeks time.

"The onus should be on the ODA to explain themselves rather than us because there's questions about the environment and various health and safety concerns they have failed to answer."

Meanwhile Hackney councillors Ian Rathbone and Deniz Oguzkanli have pledged their support for the protesters.

The pair accused the ODA of wasting public money on legal fees when it could have listened to people's concerns and worked with them.

In a joint statement they said: "They have been high handed and unreasonable in their dealings with local people on the ground - including us as elected representatives.

"That’s their idea of ‘communications’ – don’t answer, just go to court and sue."

An ODA spokesman said: "We have been forced into this position by protesters who have stopped our work and repeatedly prevented vehicles getting on the site.

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

"The ODA is legally committed to restoring the land to its previous condition immediately after the Games and returning it to the park authority by October 15. Today we re-state that firm commitment."

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