Residents outside Bancroft Rugby Club in Buckhurst Way

Residents claim victory after Olympic campsite U-turn

Amanda Nunn, Reporter Monday, April 30, 2012
5:40 PM

Plans to host up to 3,000 people on Bancroft Rugby Club’s pitch have been withdrawn after over 120 objection letters were received.

Oxygen Events Services Ltd said they had withdrawn the application due to strong opposition from local residents.

Paul Edwards, managing director of Oxygen, said: “If we are not wanted then we won’t come, we are simply offering a service and doing our bit to make the Games a success.”

The licensing application stated that the club grounds, in Buckhurst Way, Buckhurst Hill, would be used to accommodate staff working at the Olympic park.

It was withdrawn by the company on Thursday.

Mr Edwards said: “We are a small business trying to create something where there is a demand.

“But we cannot commit the level of resource to persuade people whose minds are seemingly made up that this is a decent, well put together, safe and socially conscious project.”

The plan included up to four bars with entertainment including bands, discos and film screenings until 10pm.

Sean East, 54, of Buckhurst Hill, who opposed the plan, said: “At the end of the day it’s successful that we have stopped 3,000 people camping on the rugby ground.”

More than 90 residents attended a meeting on Wednesday at the Pavilion at Woodford Playing Fields, Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge, to discuss the application before it was withdrawn.

Mr East said: “We held the meeting to express to people what was supposed to be happening and it wasn’t a vendetta against Bancroft Rugby Ground.”

Cllr Paul Canal, a Conservative councillor for Bridge ward, who was also present at the meeting, said: “I’m delighted for the residents. I was confident that they couldn’t have been better organised.”