Coe: It's vital that Palace's future is protected

Sebastian Coe has called on London's politicians to save Crystal Palace from demolition, claiming the country's bid to host the 2012 Olympics will suffer if it closes.

Crystal Palace hosts the Norwich Union Grand Prix tomorrow but the former 1500m Olympic champion is concerned that beyond that its future is unclear.

The stadium is currently run by Sport England but their lease on the venue runs out next year and responsibility for it should revert to Bromley Council.

But neither the local council nor Sport England has committed to spending the vast amounts needed to maintain the stadium, prompting Coe's fears that it could be bulldozed.

The former Conservative MP said: "This is probably where the Mayor (Ken Livingstone) is absolutely central to finding a resolution. He's very keen to do so, so I think we should be optimistic but it would be a serious problem if we lost that stadium."

Coe believes losing Crystal Palace would put a massive dent in London's hopes of hosting the Olympics in 2012.

He added: "Any Olympic bid is sold on future prospects. It would send out an awful message if we were suddenly left without a facility in the largest city in the country."

Livingstone said: "Crystal Palace's future is not dependent on the Olympics alone. The stadium and sports centre are vital facilities for London's elite and aspiring athletes and swimmers, and a major asset to the local community.

"With international sports governing bodies keen to bring their events to London, Crystal Palace is the only venue capable of hosting them."