THE PUBLIC is being invited to share their views on plans for the £2 billion Athletes Village for the 2012 Olympics.

The nearest public consultation event to Waltham Forest, part of a series, will be held on Tuesday, October 2, at Chandos Community Centre, Colegrave Road, Startford, close to the border with Leytonstone, between 6pm and 8pm.

During the Olympics the Athletes Village will house over 17,000 athletes and officials before then being converted into a new residential community.

The plans for the area include a range of nearly 4,000 homes, of which at least 30 per cent will be affordable.

Over ten hectares of open space including parks and squares are planned, along with a locally owned and run community centre, a primary healthcare centre and an education campus' for all ages.

A new transport network is also on the cards, with a new Docklands Light Railway station, new bus and cycle routes and more than 2,500 new car parking spaces.

The centrepiece of the scheme is a series of cascading ponds, creating an open view back to the City.

The consultation is being run by developers Lend Lease and their partners First Base and East Thames.

Nigel Hugill, Lend Lease Europe chairman, said: "The Athletes Village is a key part of east London's 2012 legacy. We are determined to create something amazing.

"We really want everyone that can to take the time to share their views on our proposals. Our commitment, in return, is to do everything we can to ensure these play a role in delivering a special place which fulfils the aspirations of local people".

Public comments will be passed on to the Olympic Delivery Authority Planning Decisions Team, who are expected to issue their verdict on the plans in December. Construction is due to begin in mid-2008.