OPEN Olympic Park Engagement Network

Now that’s a whole heap better!!

I had a meeting with Georgia Sharpe, Richard Rook, Christian Nevercaughtsurname & Yvonne Folkes (from Hackney Council) about the Freedom of Information requests we sent off about the data from the noise & air pollution monitors.

First of all – I must say that it was an absolutely amazing meeting. As it was informal – we could chat about a whole lot of things that 1 go on the microphone at a public meeting can’t address.

I found Richard a very genuine, honest & straight person to deal with – and although I’m sure he will be far too busy as the construction starts getting more intense – I hope to have the occasional meeting over the next 4 years.

Georgia & I have had our run-ins (as everyone who attended the residents meeting will know) – but – out of the office – out of a formal road-show meeting – she is absolutely lovely to meet with. I say this because I know that there is still resentment about meeting up with the PR dept – I genuinely think we could cut through all the spin & gloss with Georgia. Think about it.

It was also great having Yvonne there to support us. This was a last minute arrangement & I was so glad she came as she made sure that the Olympic view was seen through us Hackney residents eyes as well.

The main focus of the meeting was to discuss the data (my head was spinning after going through it all – good luck to all your Plane Stupid contacts) – but as they were in our flat – they could see & hear for themselves just what some of the residents have to go through.

As soon as the data becomes available – any minute now – I’ll put what’s relevant up here.

But – as we’ve said a million times over – this is the largest construction site in Europe – we are going to have noise – we are going to have dust – we are going to be inconvenienced – we are probably going to be upset – but after it’s all over – we are GOING to have the Olympics on our doorstep!!

The best action point to come out of this brilliant meeting – is that we are going to be able to get regular local information about what’s coming to the Arena Fields part of the Olympic Site.

This means that we should know about any developments - weeks before any major construction activities happen right across from Leabank Square. We have all moaned & shouted about how little & irrelevant information we are getting from the Olympics. Well – now Richard has set in motion a mechanism for getting this info.

Please tell me just exactly what kind of information you would like to hear about in advance.

What kind of construction activities would you be keen on knowing about well before they start?

I will take these things to the next meeting here in Leabank Square next Wednesday – and hopefully we will all be able to move forward in a new partnership with our new neighbours.

Please feel free to add any comment about this blog entry! Simply click ‘comments’ below & you can tell us all what you think. You can use your own name, a pseudonym, be anonymous, or even join blogger yourself. The more we all discuss Leabank Square – the more we all feel part of it!!