Walking and cycle waterside pathway opened along River Lee

A riverside walkway and cycle route that could generate a “Camden of the East” has been officially launched by former GB athlete and world record holder Jonathan Edwards.

The Triple jumper was joined by MP for Poplar and Limehouse, Jim Fitzpatrick, as well as walkers, cyclists and people behind the project yesterday as they celebrated the completion of the pathway along the River Lee in Bow.

The waterside path installed under the busy A11 junction includes a bridge across the navigation, providing a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists, and creates an unbroken waterside route from Limehouse to Ware and Hertford.

Mr Edwards said: ‘With the Olympics around the corner Londoners should be encouraged to become more active and take advantage of the many wonderful walking and cycle paths the city has to offer. This project exemplifies the opening up of our untapped waterside routes.

The �2.4million scheme was funded by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and delivered by British Waterways, with help from the Olympic Delivery Authority, Transport for London, the London Development Agency and Walk London.

Senior project manager at London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, Julia Brion, believes the project will spark off a “waterside renaissance” that could see restaurants, shops, and cafes spring up “to create a new Camden of the East.”

To celebrate the opening British Waterways is organising two free guided walks around the site and the River Lee Navigation on October 1. Led by local heritage and walking expert Graham Barker it will set off from Three Mills at 1.30 pm and finish at 4 pm. Booking is essential at www.eastlondonwaterwaywalk.eventbrite.com