Dear Ed, THERE is talk of a Royal park in East London on the site of the Olympics after the 2012 Games. But my concern is the emphasis on a royal’ park detracting from the genuine history of this region. The people are too often overlooked

Dear Ed,

THERE is talk of a Royal park being created in East London on the site of the Olympics after the 2012 Games. Queen Elizabeth Park, as it would be named, would commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in the same year and would be the first royal park in East London.

I welcome, as always, the creation of open, green spaces in East London and think a large park would be a fitting use of the Olympic land.

Having 'royal' status would mean the park would be funded by the Government and not the local council taxpayer-which is also welcome news.

But my big concern is the emphasis on a 'royal' park detracts from the genuine history of this region.

East London has contributed massively to the development of the nation's economy, without which London would not have become the first-class city it is today.

I agree the Olympic Park should become a major regional space and the local authority should not have to pay for its upkeep.

It should, however, be seen as the park of the people of East London, and a tribute to their labour, and not as an offshoot of some palace miles away. The people are too often overlooked.

John Biggs

London Assembly (Lab)

Member for East London

London Assembly

City Hall