Pop music events ‘endangering legacy’ of Hackney Marshes, Sport England claims
Rihanna performing at BBC Radio 1's Hackney Weekend 2012.Photograph:Sarah Barney / © BBC
Gigs on Hackney Marshes pose a “huge risk” to the sporting legacy of the area, a government agency has warned.
Sport England has sent a strongly worded letter to Hackney Council complaining about the damage concerts could cause to pitches used for football, cricket and rugby.
The letter cites litter and loss of turf as problems caused by a BBC Radio 1 gig held on the Marshes last year.
It states: “Given that damage to pitches was irreparable in the short-term following just one event, it must be assumed that regular large scale events would cause continuous extensive damage.”
A series of mini-festivals will take place on the Marshes over the coming years if the Town Hall gives the green light.
A consultation has just closed and is said to have attracted many hundreds of responses from people outraged by the plans.
Hackney Marshes is part of a large area of green space known as the Lea Marshes, which also includes parts of Tottenham and Leytonstone.
The area is a magnet for walkers and home to a horse riding centre and numerous nature reserves.
Last year protesters pitched tents and blocked asphalt lorries and diggers involved in turning a wildlife haven next to Lea Bridge Road into a private temporary training facility.
Caroline Day from campaign group Save Lea Marshes said: “The Marshes are under constant attack of encroachment and commercialisation.”
She called on the council to reject the concerts, adding: “This will be a really important decision with long term implications.”
The debate over the future of the Marshes echoes a long running saga over the staging of lucrative rock concerts in Hyde Park.
Green party London Assembly Member Jenny Jones has criticised such events, saying: “Parks are for people and not for profit.”
A Hackney Council spokeswoman said responses to a consultation would be analysed before any decision is made.