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Lea Rivers Trust to close in March 2008
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by LoopZilla | January 20, 2008 at 01:20 pm
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The Lea Rivers Trust is set to close in March 2008. Odd, that. The preparation for the London Olympics 2012 are well under way, yet this small charity closing down through lacks of funds. What do they do?
[1]TO PRESERVE, CONSERVE AND PROTECT THE PHYSICAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
OF GREATER LONDON FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC.
[2] TO ADVANCE PUBLIC EDUCATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS; AND
[3] TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION AND LEISURE TIME
ACTIVITY FOR THE PUBLIC , REGARDLESS OF AGE, GENDER OR ETHNIC ORIGIN,
IN THE INTERESTS OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO PERSONS AND WITH THE OBJECT OF
IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE OF THE SAID PUBLIC.
They are based just outside the zone designated as part of the 2012 games development, and much of their work has been in and around the rivers at the heart of the Olympic site, the "Bow Back Rivers".
Some extracts from the
The Lea Rivers Trust is an innovative and dynamic water related charity, based in the Lee Valley and East London amongst an extensive network of waterways. The Lee Valley is steeped in archaeological and industrial heritage, it is a key migratory route and ecological corridor reaching into the heart of London.
Our Vision: The Lea Rivers Trust wishes to see a vibrant and sustainable waterway environment that positively contributes to the economic, social and environmental well being of East London and the Lea Valley.
So why, four years before the games, are they shutting down for lack of funds? Does the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) not care?
This from the ODA website:
We want London 2012 to be the first ‘sustainable’ Games, setting new standards for major events.
Being ‘sustainable’ means providing for peoples’ current and long-term needs, improving quality of life while ensuring a healthy and thriving natural environment.
So, could the ODA "provide" for the Lea Rivers Trust?
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (4)
at 07:56 on January 21st, 2008
Where did you hear this? This item from 6 months ago says LRT had just received funding to “enhance Londoners ability to engage with volunteering opportunities in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games”
On the other hand you need look no further than this page on their website to see why the ODA would rather they quietly disappeared.
There's a photo of the community volunteers planting Bully Fen Woodland 7 years ago, the site the ODA has destroyed along with other nature areas, riverbanks and paths previously maintained by the Trust & its helpers.
There's not much room for Sunday volunteers and community activities when you've got a budget of billions and are reconfiguring the entire landscape! It'll be professional contractors manicuring the 'improved' riverbanks for the Olympics. What a kick in the teeth for people who put a lot of hard work in over the years.
It seems the LRT is responsible for much of the rubbish clearing and weed removal in the waterways - who will do that if they disappear? Will it all just be left to accumulate and then cleared just before the games with some massive ODA-funded cleaning operation?
at 10:21 on January 21st, 2008
I don't wish to reveal the source of this story.
at 10:27 on January 21st, 2008
And I don't have answers to those questions! Yes, LRT does a lot of work along the rivers and canals.
As for volunteers, the ODA is going to train thousands of them!!
at 04:08 on February 12th, 2008
The Trust has announced the closure on their website, with a letter from the Chair, Judy Adams.
Here is an extract:
It is therefore with much sadness, that I have to tell
you that we are now having to plan the closure of the
Lea Rivers Trust by the end of March 2008. This
decision has not been made lightly; much was
attempted, but we are simply unable to secure its long
term future. Trustees and staff have sought to act in
the most professional way, so that it completes our
commitments, in accordance with Charity Commission
guidelines.
I want to thank you for your support and interest over
the years and wish you the very best for the future.
We hope that others may take on our good work and
continue to make the Lea Valley, one of Londonâ•˙s
most vibrant and diverse lands.
Yours sincerely
Judy Adams
Chair , on behalf of Lea Rivers Trust