Clubs fume as fight for training site stalls

They found one of the members - Tower Hamlets councillor Mark Taylor - who voted on the final decision had also been a season ticket holder at Upton Park for two years and still supported the team.

He did not declare his interest at the crucial meeting but there is no suggestion he made any personal gain.

Orient also alleged the authority had given favourable treatment to West Ham in starting talks early with them and leading them towards including community elements in their plan. Lee Valley marketing director Peter Warren admitted: "They had a legal point about the interests of one of our members. This could have been perceived as causing bias in the decisionmaking.

"We are now looking at the future of the site again and starting the process afresh."

A letter from the authority's solicitors to Orient's representatives, seen by Standard Sport, revealed the authority investigated and said the member's "involvement and contacts" indicated possible bias.

In correspondence with Orient chairman Barry Hearn, Sports Minister Kate Hoey added: "I am disappointed with the way Lee Valley have handled this matter.

"I have spoken to the chief executive about this and made clear my concerns."

West Ham were looking for a new site to house their youth academy because they could not fulfil FA facility requirements at their Chadwell Heath training ground.

Paul Aldridge, West Ham's managing director, said: "We are disappointed they have taken this course of action as we were keen to expand our community work as well as giving the academy a chance to expand." If Orient lose the use of the site their first-team may be forced to train on Hackney Marshes and children using their centre of excellence would have to be split up into a series of small groups.

Having convinced Lee Valley to revoke their original decision, the Third Division club will be allowed to stay there until the spring at least.

Chief executive Steve Dawson said: "We are pleased the threat of a judicial review has made them finally see our point of view.

"The decision-making process was flawed from beginning to end and I am pleased it is behind us."

West Ham and Orient have both indicated they would like to submit new proposals for the site.

Lee Valley now face a six-figure legal costs claim and member Lionel Lee, who abstained on the Eastway vote, said: "Obviously mistakes were made.

"Fortunately, they have been resolved and I do not think we should rush into getting rid of the sports centre but make sure we get it right."