The end is nigh for public free access to "Olympic Park"

Tomorrow I'll be making a nostalgic last visit to the Lower Lea Valley. I have visited there on business regularly over the last decade or so. The sites that I have visited will soon be boarded off for preparations for the Olympics. Diamond Geezer gives a fascinating description of the events in the area, from a local person's point of view:

For those of us who live in the Lower Lea Valley, the most important recent item of 2012 news isn't the launch of the new Games logo, it's the imminent sealing off of the Olympic Park. Because the end is nigh, and now there's a date. Up until Sunday July 1st you'll still be able to live in, work in and wander through these 500 designated acres of industrial riverside. But on Monday July 2nd all the roads will be sealed off, a barrier will be erected around the perimeter and permanent eviction begins. If you want to pay a visit to this extra-special environment, for free, just three weeks now remain. After that you'll have to wait for five years, and buy a ticket.