Readers have been making their voices heard about an ambitious plan for a 4,000-tent campsite near Fairlop Tube station during the London 2012 Olympics.

Last week the Recorder revealed farmer David Fowler’s camping plans for his 25 acre site at Forest Farm, Forest Road, Barkingside.

The site could see campers across the world staying in the Barkingside tent city and traveling to the Olympic site by Tube or bike.

Commenting on the story at www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk, Timothy Evans said: “I think this could be a great idea, if handled properly.

“Think of the income for the local area with 8,000 people staying for four weeks.

“I think half a million pounds is understating it.

“Barkingside could do with some money going into it.”

But former deputy council leader Morris Hickey logged on to write: “Good for traders in Barkingside? Well it just happens that Fowler already has a substantial ‘supermarket’ on his land.”

Mr Fowler told the Recorder: “I have now spoken to most of my neighbours and we’re all going to get together for a few beers at Fairlop Waters one Saturday evening to gauge people’s ideas and reaction.”