Jon Cruddas, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, has been contacted by the organisation constructing The Great Eastern Parks Route and asked to lend his support to the project which has the backing of Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham councils.
The original plan was to build a walk/cycleway from Bishopsgate in central London using redundant rail viaducts to create an urban forest. As the planning progressed it was decided to extend the route to link parks, green areas and waterways along an eight mile path through to Newham to create probably the largest forest garden in Europe.
Jon Cruddas commented “At present the proven route goes as far as the River Roding in Barking. The organisers of the project hope to have a bridge to cross the River Roding, so that the route can then continue through to the Rainham Marshes. I think this is an excellent plan that deserves support.”
Margaret Mullane, Labour PPC for Dagenham and Rainham said “Alongside Jon, I fully support this exciting initiative. We have so much development happening, creating a green and safe route for people linking Dagenham and Rainham to central London would enhance the quality of life for local people. The key will be to find a way that would be deliverable to build a route from the Roding to Dagenham Dock via Barking Riverside tying in Scrattons Farm eco park. This would then link to the Thames Coastal Path running from Dagenham Dock through to Purfleet and beyond”.