Battersea Park Formula E legal challenge by blind author

A blind author today launched a legal challenge against Wandsworth council’s decision to shut much of Battersea Park for two Formula E races this summer.

James Jackson, 53, intends to take the town hall to the High Court over plans to close large parts of the park over 19 days, with 92 per cent of it shut for four days for the races on July 2 and 3.

The writer uses the park daily as his only means of exercise. He said: “As a local resident, I have more right to sit in my park than a racing driver has to race a car through it at 150mph... you’re talking 15ft to 16ft-high concrete and steel-mesh walls, it is crucifying the park.”

The first Formula E championship started in China in 2014. The first Battersea Park event was held in June, un-der a deal to hold events for five years.

Mr Jackson is backed by the Battersea Park Action Group. It said: “The council under statute does not have the right to close all or part of a London park for any more than six consecutive days.”

BPAG and Mr Jackson have launched a crowdfunding page to fund the legal battle.

The council said: “We are confident the High Court will confirm the event is entirely lawful, and that the approval and planning process has been thorough, fair and transparent.”