A WEYMOUTH park and ride site has been abandoned for the Olympics over fears it could be a mudbath.


The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) said it acted to ‘ensure that a network of park and ride services for spectators remains open throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games, despite this summer’s record rainfall.’


Several sites across the country have seen changes to pre-empt further bad weather.
The park and ride site at Littlemoor, with a capacity of 1,800, was rated as ‘high risk’ and will now be relocated to Preston Beach Road as a precaution.


The site, next to Lodmoor Country Park, was originally going to be used for direct coaches but will now be used for a ‘park and walk’ facility. The main park and ride site at Mount Pleasant is for the sole use of Nothe viewing area ticket holders.


The news comes after a row erupted over Olympic travel, with visitors getting conflicting advice on the best way to get to the area.


Rail bosses have recommended people use their cars while Dorset County Council and the ODA have spent months warning people that the roads will be busy and they should consider public transport.


Dorset Olympic board chairman Angus Campbell said that the ODA were working to weather-proof the remaining sites and were ‘strengthening and protecting surfaces.’


He said: “Sufficient levels of track way will be laid at Kingston Maurward and Monkey Jump to assist vehicle movement on site and contingencies are in place should any vehicle experience difficulties moving on site. We have full confidence in the provisions being put in place.”


He added: “Those who have already purchased a park and ride space at any dropped site such as Littlemoor have been informed of the change and they will be reallocated a space at an alternative site.”


Deputy mayor Ray Banham said he was shocked by the decision and that for elderly people the walk from the new Preston Beach Road site to town would ‘not be much fun.’


He said: “I don’t think it’s very good actually. I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t have looked at the long range forecast.


“After this weekend the weather looks very good.”


He added: “If people are to be expected to walk that distance, it’s okay if you are fit and agile but if you are elderly then it’s not much fun.”


Littlemoor Borough Councillor Mark Tewkesbury said he had supported the original Littlemoor site.


He said: “The land’s been there a very long time. It doesn’t just start flooding.


“You would have thought they would have taken it into consideration before.”