Westlands Playing Fields which Havering Council wants to turn into a temporary camping site during the Olympics

Fields near Romford will not be hosting a camping site for visitors during the Olympics, it has been announced.

Havering Council had planned to rent camping and caravan spaces to Olympic fans this summer at Westlands Playing Fields – straddling Romford and Chadwell Heath.

A 400 signature petition against the move was handed in to Havering Town Hall by Jon Cruddas MP (Labour, Dagenham and Rainham) in March by residents opposed to the plan and the apparent disruption it would cause.

But it has been announced today that due to a lack of interest in the site, it will not be used after all.

Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Michael White, said: “The council has worked hard to ensure we prepare the borough for the forthcoming Olympics and provide opportunities for local businesses.

“We were hoping to provide a camping facility for visitors wanting to stay close to the Olympic Park.

“Unfortunately we will not be proceeding with the campsite. This is due to the small numbers of those wanting to use the facility and the fact the campsite was no longer financially viable.

He added: “We will continue our efforts to attract visitors to the borough during the Olympics and help those that are still interested in staying in Havering during the Games.”

In April it was announced that just five per cent of pitches at the site had, so far, been sold over the 30 days the site was due to be operating.

Jon Cruddas said: “This is very welcome news for thousands of residents in Havering and Barking and Dagenham.

“Over the months we have been inundated with local people raising concerns about this project.

“I am very glad the council have seen sense and want to congratulate local residents for the way they have raised their concerns.

“Their campaign has been a great success, very well done.”