Brick Lane To Lose Its bricks

BRICK Lane is called Brick Lane because it has bricks, simple enough. But what would happen if you took the brick out of the lane, literally? The title's integrity would be significantly compromised, no? Well this is actually happening, all thanks to the good old Olympics working its magic on London.

Will this dilution of culture ever end?

Tower Hamlets Council have announced that it is resurfacing Brick Lane with tarmac, in an effort to 'smarten up' the area ahead of the Olympics this summer. They claim that the road will be cheaper to maintain and provide a clearer segregation between traffic and pedestrians.

You know, the famous Tarmac Lane?
The resurfacing of the 'CurryCapital 2012' is expected to cost around £300,000 – a hefty sum to dish out for work that many people strongly oppose – as well as the obvious clash the resurfacing would have with its world renowned name.

This isn't the only intervention local authorities that have taken place on Brick Lane; last year a campaign was launched in an attempt to reduce the aggressive behaviour of some of the curry house touts to make the area more convivial and welcoming to tourists during the Olympics. Will this dilution of culture ever end?