Belfast roof trusses saved from King's Yard

12.42.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 22nd Jan 2008

Cllr Stephanie Eaton and Tom Ridge examine the salvaged trusses

Local heritage campaigner, Tom Ridge and Libdem Councillor Stephanie Eaton were invited by the Olympic Delivery Authority to visit the site of the 2012 Olympics in order to examine the salvaged Belfast Roof Trusses and cast iron pillars from the demolished Clarnico sweet factory. After a long campaign to save the trusses, the search is now on for a permanent home for them in the Lower Lea Valley.

The salvaged pillars from the King's Yard site

Mr Ridge paid tribute to the ODA for ensuring that the delicate roof trusses were carefully removed so that they are in good condition to be reused. Speaking about the future of the trusses Mr Ridge said: "I am very keen to see them stay in the area where they were built, and we are hopeful that a building may be found for them to be placed at Trinity Wharf Buoy. I also feel that it is important that the trusses and the pillars are kept together."

Cllr Eaton added: "Given the complexity of the Olympic site development and the tight timescales that the ODA must meet, we are grateful that that they have shown such commitment and care in preserving the trusses and pillars as a reminder of the historic significance of the King's Yard site."