However, an email sent to all Lewisham councillors by the deputy mayor, Alan Smith, two weeks ago, and seen by the Guardian, appears to confirm the CPO is an ongoing project. Asked by the Guardian if it is still seeking to seize the land, a Lewisham council spokesman denied that this was the case. Confronted with the disparity between deputy mayor Smith’s private email and Lewisham’s public stance, a spokesman referred to the council’s previous statement. In particular the claim to have a £2m from Sport England has been disputed by Sport England itself. The accounts for 2016 read: “During the last three years the Foundation has received pledges from Renewal, Lewisham council, Onside and Sport England that total £18.5m”.

Source: The Guardian December 21, 2017 18:15 UTC