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PERMANENT OLYMPIC CITY GETS A BIG ‘YES'

As the 2012 Olympic Games draw ever closer, an on-line poll on the website of the Havering Residents' Association shows support for the establishment of a permanent Olympic venue.

Of 250 votes cast, 77 per cent were in favour of a permanent site while 15 per cent were happy with the current arrangements and 8 per cent undecided.

Website editor, Cllr Clarence Barrett (Cranham, RA), said: “With the economic and social benefits of hosting the Games subject to increasing scrutiny, the £9.3 billion cost of holding the 2012 Games is a huge financial burden.

“Perhaps it would make sense to establish a permanent home for the Olympics rather than finding a new host city every four years. An ‘Olympic City' could be established with the necessary infrastructure and  security measures funded from contributions from all participating nations, sponsors and broadcasters rather than burdening a single city. In between Olympics it could be used as an academy for sports people across the world. 

“The venue for such a site would be subject to some debate, but built close to the original site in Peloponnese, Greece, would have to be a contender.”

27.1.09