Eastenders to guard Olympic site

Local residents will be drafted-in to guard more than 2,500 construction workers on the London 2012 site.

The Olympic Delivery Authority has appointed G4S Security Services as main security contractor on the job and the company will now be training new recruits from around Stratford.

All security guarding opportunities will be advertised in the local media around the Olympic Park and through the local Job Centre Plus network and host borough job brokerage services.

Guards will then be trained to achieve Security Industry Authority accreditation and the Construction Skills Certification as well as further specialised security training.

Security will also be improved by replacing the temporary hoardings with a more substantial perimeter fence alongside improved access control systems.

ODA chief executive David Higgins said: “As we enter the Big Build phase it is essential that we phase in robust and effective plans to ensure the security and safety of both the Olympic Park workforce – which will number around 9,000 at peak – and the surrounding communities.

“A professional and appropriate security service is a crucial component of these plans but will also contribute to the London 2012 legacy by creating opportunities for local people to gain training, jobs and long term career development.”