Olympic chiefs create the great wall of Stratford ... with windows

This is London's first true Olympic landmark - an 11-mile perimeter fence which has been erected around the 2012 park.

The barrier, which is a violent shade of royal blue, has already been nicknamed the Berlin Wall by residents in east London, who believe it is an eyesore. But, following complaints that the fence could mean progress of the work is being kept secret, the Games organisers have ordered a series of viewing windows to be cut into the barrier to allow passers-by to see into the 500-acre site.

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell has also ordered a feasibility study into the possibility of setting up a visitor centre to provide regular information about the progress of Europe's largest regeneration project.

The Olympic Delivery Authority has said it will mount plaques informing visitors what is taking place behind the wall, which is decorated with sponsor's names, the Olympic logo and slogans such as "Demolish, Dig, Design" and "Everyone's 2012".

The fence is set to remain in place for up to four years and the ODA says it is essential for health and safety reasons.