New doubts over athletics stadium

Site in north London where stadium was planned

The future of the proposed athletics stadium at Pickett's Lock is under threat after Sport England decided to conduct a review of the site.

The north London venue was due to host the 2005 World Athletics Championships.

Patrick Carter, who carried out the review of the ill-starred Wembley project, has been given seven weeks to look at some key problems such as a shortage of funding and the future viability and funding of the site.

The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which owns the site, has proposed a cost of approximately £93m for developing the site.

But Sport England is said to have put the ceiling at £60m.

The Government said on Monday they guarantee the Championships will take place in London

In addition, around £80m in extra public funding has been promised for Manchester's hosting of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

The money, which will come from the Government, the National Lottery and the Manchester City Council, will guarantee the viability of the Games, according to Sport England.