Published: Friday, 27th November, 2009 12:00pm

Olympic car park plans for Upton

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By Inderdeep Bains

A picturesque site in Slough could be transformed into a huge car park with 2,800 spaces for the 2012 Olympics.

The council is in talks over plans for Upton Court Park to be used for a park and ride scheme catering for vehicles during the Olympic Rowing and Canoeing events at Dorney Lake.

The move has not been welcomed by residents who fear the scheme will blight their neighbourhood for more than six weeks.

Dick Sable of the Castleview Residents Association, said: "I think its going to destroy the park and will have a major impact on the minor roads we have around the park. Taxpayers who normally use the park won't be able to do so whilst it is there.

"Having sold part of the park for an access road to the Castleview development, and now flogging it as a car park, the council have completely undermined any commitment it has to our green spaces."

Cedrola Fortunato, who has lived in the street for 25 years, said: "It is a rubbish idea and I oppose it 100 per cent. Children play in that park every day, what are they meant to do if there are almost 3,000 cars in the park?"

Another concerned resident Ravi Kapoor, who has lived in the street for three years, added: "I don't agree with it at all. The street gets very busy in the mornings and afternoons. All these additional cars will cause too much congestion and all the children and families who enjoy the green area will be forced out."

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is currently discussing licensing and covenant issues concerning use of the park, which is protected by a covenant. Planning permission would also be required for a park and ride facility at Upton Court Park.

Borough councillor Robert Plimmer said: "The park was given to the people of Slough for recreational purposes and was not meant to be used as a park and ride.

"I am concerned that if there is a sizeable number of vehicles they will have to put a surface in to cater for them. It will also have an impact on the traffic in the area and will be in place for at least six weeks. An environmental assessment looking at the impact on the neighbourhood needs to be carried out."

Around 30,000 visitors could be coming daily during the Olympics. More details are expected to be released as the ODA's Transport Plan evolves.