WIREDGOV

Today, the London Development Agency (LDA) and British Cycling announced further interim measures to support London's cyclists while great crested newts are relocated from the site of a new 2km circuit at Hog Hill in Redbridge.

By law, the protected species have to be moved before work can start on the new facility which is replacing Eastway Cycle Circuit. Poor weather conditions for collecting newts - a dry autumn and recent ground frosts - have restricted the days in which ecologists have been able to carry out collections. So far, they have only been able to complete 41 out of the 60 required collection days which has led to only half of the site being handed to the LDA.

If the ecologists cannot finish the collection before prolonged ground frost begins - expected by the end of November - the planned 2km circuit and off road facilities will not be ready in time for the new cycling season in March. The ecologists will then have to return in the spring to complete the work.

In response, the LDA and British Cycling are putting in place additional interim facilities and a back-up plan for cyclists. They are:

• From this Saturday, British Cycling will run youth cycling every weekend at the Royal Docks on a 1.2km long tarmac formerly used as the Red Bull airstrip.

• The LDA has also begun planning work with British Cycling to provide a minimum 1km track at the Royal Docks in time for the new cycling season in March 08. Work will begin on the track if the newt relocation cannot be finished before prolonged ground frost begins in late November and the newts go into hibernation. In this event, the LDA will also build a 900m circuit, pavilion, car park and judge's box on the half of the Hog Hill site that has been handed over by ecologists. This facility will also be open to cyclists in March.

Andrew Gaskell, Senior Development Manager at the LDA, said:

"The unresolved newt situation is frustrating for everyone, but especially so for the cyclists eager for the new facility at Hog Hill to open. As soon as the ecologists told us the relocation may not be finished this year, we began working with British Cycling on arrangements to ensure that there is still a good provision for cycling in time for the new season.

"The Royal Docks track is a great opportunity for a quick boost to youth cycling because the tarmac is already there. Whatever the outcome with the newts, there will be at least 2km of cycle circuits in east London - either at Hog Hill as planned, or split between Hog Hill and the Royal Docks."

Peter King, Chief Executive of British Cycling, said:

"The strip at the Royal Docks will provide somewhere in the inner city area for young and old alike to race and train while we wait for Hog Hill to be completed. It will provide a safe, secure environment for cycling to take place and I am sure local schools and clubs will put it to good use.

"We welcome the plan for an alternative circuit if we cannot have the full 2km track at Hog Hill ready in March. The LDA is responding to a difficult situation and ultimately ensuring a valuable provision for cyclists both now and in time for the new season."

The new facilities are in addition to others that the LDA and British Cycling have been providing this cycling season to bridge the gap between Hog Hill opening and Eastway Cycle Circuit closing to make way for the Olympic Velopark.

They include supporting half a dozen existing venues to expand their racing and coaching facilities. Clubs have also received funding to take on more members while a facility coordinator has been employed to help cycling groups book venues.

. For more information about the newt relocation work please visit http://www.lda.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.2159 and see the LDA press release dated 26th September, 2007.

For media enquiries, please contact Andreas Christophorou at the LDA Media Team on 020 7593 8444 or email achristophorou@lda.gov.uk. LDA out of hours: 07977 439371 Public enquiries: 020 7593 9000