TRAVELLERS who live on land needed for the Olympics are fighting plans to move them to a nearby park.

The community have lived in Clays Lane, Stratford, for 34 years, but have faced an uncertain future since London was chosen to stage the 2012 Games.

They have successfully fought off proposals to move them to a car park in Beckton and a site underneath the flight path of London City Airport.

However, the community have now been told that the London Development Agency (LDA) is backing an option which will see their homes replace an important public space in Major Road.

The community have always opposed the option and agreed to relocate to unused land in Leyton Road, which borders the Stratford City development.

The LDA says the Leyton Road site, which is owned by London and Continental Railways (LCR), is no longer available.

The Guardian understands LCR objected to travellers living in an area earmarked for lucrative property development.

A compulsory purchase order could see the land come under public ownership next year, but the LDA is unlikely to want a row with Stratford City bosses, whom they need onside to ensure Olympic development runs smoothly.

The travellers boycotted a planned meeting with the LDA and their landlord Newham Council last Thursday.

They are leafleting residents in Stratford and neighbouring Leyton to make it clear they oppose the plans.

Tracie Giles, spokeswoman for the travellers, said: "We are outraged that we have been led up the garden path by the LDA and Newham Council. We had our hopes lifted only to be knocked down.

"We have always told them we oppose a move to Major Road for a number of reasons, including the fact that it is a much-valued community resource.

"We are at a loss to understand why the Leyton Road land has been withdrawn, especially after we committed ourselves to the layout and design."

A spokesman for the LDA said: "Our priority is to deliver the land by July 2007 and there are far fewer complications with Major Road.

"The travellers' concerns about the site have been taken on board. We are committed to replacing the facilities locally in Chandos Road."

Greater London Assembly member John Biggs admitted the relocation process could have been handled more efficiently.

He added: "There is a history all over the world of travellers being treated as second class citizens and if the Olympic area redevelopment is to benefit the whole community, this must include the travellers.

"I will try to organise a meeting where the three sides can talk."