It was hardly a great surprise to hear that the design for the Olympic park was being “pared down” (25 May, page 9). In fact, it was predicted by those who were sceptical of the project from day one.

Of course, critics who have pointed out from day one that the budget was wrong, that the various claims of benefits were either wrong or overstated, and that regeneration could occur in less destructive ways, are easily dismissed as negative or unpatriotic. Here we have just another example of how this overblown programme is failing to fulfill its advocates’ claims.

Julian Cheyne

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