Parking charges could force out Olympic hopeful (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Richmond Park parking charges could force out Olympic hopeful Jo Pavey

10:00am Saturday 13th March 2010 in News By Ian Mason

British athlete and Olympic medal hope Jo Pavey could be ousted from her favourite training ground if parking charges are introduced in Richmond Park.

Ironically, the shadow cast over the distance runner’s future training emerged in the same week the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games revealed the borough park as one of 33 London landmarks to feature on commemorative pin badges, which go on sale later this month.

Ms Pavey, who won silver in the 2006 Commonwealth Games 5,000m race, this week joined the parking charges campaign.

She told Twickenham MP Vince Cable the fees would be a huge financial burdenfor people training at Richmond Park.

Dr Cable said: “Jo is one of Britain’s top Olympic stars and we are lucky to have her living in the community.

“She has approached me to support the protest or, if we are not successful in stopping the charges, to obtain a permit to allow her to train regularly.”

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