By Cherry Wilson

cherry.wilson@essnmedia.co.uk

A business leader is hoping the 2012 London Olympics could serve as a "catalyst" for regenerating South Norwood if a park and ride scheme is set up in the district.

Ian Leadbeater, owner of Clements the Optician, in Portland Road, says the area could become a gateway to the games.

As vice chair of South Norwood Business Partnership, he wants to see the district take advantage of the East London Line (ELL) extension, which opens on May 23.

This will see Norwood Junction station linked to the Underground network, creating a connection with east London, where the Olympic stadium is being built.

Mr Leadbeater said: "We have the opportunity to make South Norwood the south east gateway to the Olympics.

"Norwood Junction has the capacity to handle large crowds. There is plenty of space in the area (for a park and ride) and it would be a massive boost to the economy.

"It would be an opportunity to get money from the Olympics."

Optician Mr Leadbeater is certain people from south London won't want to drive through central London to get to the Olympic site.

And he believes Croydon Sports Arena, local school car parks or South Norwood Country Park could be potential park and ride venues during the two weeks the Olympics are on.

"It will make people aware of South Norwood all over the borough and beyond," he said.

"It could act as the catalyst to regenerate the area. It's a way of putting South Norwood on the map."

His views have been supported by South Norwood councillor Luke Clancy who thinks it would create "much-needed footfall" for the district centre.

He said: "Hotels, restaurants and other businesses in the area would then benefit from the tourist dollar which the games attract.

"I have discussed this idea with Croydon's Greater London Authority member, Steve O'Connell, and he is fully supportive."

Croydon Council, though, seems less keen on the idea – and believes South Norwood may be too busy for a park and ride scheme.

A spokesman said: "It's not the kind of arrangement that is commonly found in an already densely populated area where space is at a premium and roads are already busy at peak times.

"Nevertheless, we want Croydon to benefit from the staging of the Olympics in London and we will be looking at how to make the best use of this massive international event."