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Lee Valley Caravan Park at Dobbs Weir ( http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=1399) is to close on 17 September 2007.

The reason for this is that the land, and adjoining land, is to be used for building the White Water Canoe Course for the 2012 Olympics. 

The site will be gone forever, and there are no plans to relocate it, or reopen it after the Olympics.

Seems crazy to build an artifical white water course when there are masses of fantastic natural locations in the UK for such activities. Surely would make sense to hold these events elsewhere too, so that other areas of the UK could 'benefit' from the Olympics ......

If you like this site, make the most of it this year.

Anyone who wishes to complain should go to http://www.leevalleypark.org.uk click on 'Contact Us' and register their complaint.

Ian

Dobbs Weir is a superb site, conveniently located for the M25 from both East and West and is also a great escape for people living in North London and needing a weekend, or more, away from the hustle and bustle.

Effectively forming part of the Lee Valley Park it is linked to great walks and cycleways along the River Lee Navigation both North towards Hertford and South as far as one wants to go. We once cycled all the way into London, joining the Thames at Limehouse and then going under the Thames to Greenwich.

What a great loss if this facility does disappear. OK, some people think the Olympics will be good for Britain but the proposed White Water Centre will be for a privileged few and what after the Olympics, either another white elephant like the Dome or an expensive and exclusive facility, to be used by so few.

I will certainly make my views know to the Council as I hope many other members will also.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

I have just received an official statement from Lee Valley Park

LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
STATEMENT
CLOSURE OF DOBBS WEIR CARAVAN PARK

16 FEBRUARY 2007

In response to the announcement that Dobbs Weir caravan site will close to enable the development of the Olympic White Water Canoe Slalom Course, a spokesperson for LVRPA said:

"The Authority's decision to close Dobbs Weir caravan site is based on long term business objectives to bring regional sports and leisure facilities to the Lee Valley Regional Park. It was not a decision taken lightly, however siting the Olympic White Water Canoe Slalom Course at Spitalbrook brings enormous benefits to the area and the region.

"This regeneration project will bring over £20 million of investment to the site and will result in land being opened up to the public which has not been accessible for over 100 years.  A new 200 acre park will be created providing white water sport and attractive parkland with a strong conservation theme.

"The Authority is fully committed to assisting the caravan owners with options for  relocation in so far as this is possible and has been able to offer new licences for the majority of the coming season giving owners an extended period of time to consider the options available".

Its a great pity that as part of the Olympic regeneration they have not include the building of new campsites. There just won't be enough spaces for people wanting to camp during the Olympics.

David

I have never posted on a forum before, but felt compelled to join up on this issue.

It does seem such a waste of such a beautiful and natural place. 

Even more so when you consider that they are building the same facility in Cardiff in the Bay there.

It will be to Olympic standards and is in an area that is just waste land at the moment and the local population WANT it there.  I'm sure the taffs would love an Olympic event in Cardiff.