London 2012: Brick Lane's bricks to be covered over Published duration 8 February 2012

image caption Brick Lane has been named "Curry Capital 2012"

Brick Lane is losing its bricks as the east London road is being resurfaced to "smarten up" the area ahead of the Olympic Games.

Tower Hamlets Council said covering the road with tarmac would make it cheaper to maintain and would distinguish space for traffic from pedestrians.

Transport for London is mainly paying for the project, which will cost £300,000.

The lane has also been named "Curry Capital 2012".

Last year an "anti-touting code of practice" for curry house owners on Brick Lane was introduced.

The code aims to stamp out persistent and aggressive behaviour by curry touts, which causes an obstruction to both visitors and local residents.

The council said this could create an "unpleasant environment for everyone".

A Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has also been introduced to help people choose where they eat.