WANSTEAD: Flats fireworks "sheer madness"

A 35,000 sq ft area of the green space has recently been reseeded after the controversial temporary structure left it muddy and without grass.

But Newham Council has now been given permission to hold its annual fireworks event on the flats and there are fears this could cause lasting damage.

Campaigner Kevin Blowe, 43, said: "The flats need to be left alone and I just can't believe it would be agreed to let thousands of people on the land.

"It strikes me that City of London Corporation just doesn't seem to care it.

"Whatever planting and reseeding has taken place will just get mushed up by the thousands of people who will trample all over the ground. We will just be back to square one.

"The whole thing is just strange and incomprehensible."

Sarah Ruiz, 59, who lives near to the flats in Forest Gate and also campaigned against the base, said: "I was totally shocked to discover that the flats were to be used for the fireworks.

"The ground is far from restored and even further damage will be done by this event. The council expect thousands to attend - are they really unaware of the state of the ground?

"I cannot believe the arrogance of the council or the conservators to go ahead- surely they must realise that further damage will be done?

"And what a waste of money already expended to restore the site.

"This is utter stupidity and sheer madness."

The Save Wanstead Flats Campaign fought an unsuccessful legal battle in the High Court to prevent the police base from being built.

More than 3,500 officers were based on the flats during the Olympics and Paralympics.

City of London Corporation received £170,000 compensation from the Metropolitan Police, which will be spent on redeveloping Jubilee Pond on Wanstead Flats.

The City of London Corporation and Newham Council have been asked to comment.

Click here to follow the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian on Twitter

Click here to follow the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian on Facebook