Londoners still back 2012 Olympic Games

Nearly two thirds of Londoners are still pleased that the capital is hosting the 2012 Games despite national economic concerns, according to the results of a YouGov survey released today by London Councils.

The survey found that 63 per cent of Londoners are pleased that the Games are taking place in London – although this figure rises to 67 per cent among residents of east London where the majority of events are taking place.

The survey suggests that one of the reasons for this continued support lies in the belief that hosting the Games will be of long-term benefit from London, despite concerns caused by the current economic climate. Ninety three per cent of Londoners feel that there will be long term benefits for London in hosting the Games.

When asked what benefits they would most like to see, the vast majority said better transport infrastructure (70 per cent). In addition more than half of Londoners want to see the following benefits from hosting the Games:
•more jobs (58 per cent)
•better access to quality sporting facilities (57 per cent)
•more activities for young people to do (55 per cent)
•more people participating in sport or other types of physical activity (52 per cent)

While the major improvements to the transport infrastructure in east London are largely delivered by other agencies, London’s boroughs are working hard to deliver the benefits demanded by Londoners - from walking and cycling programmes to job brokerage schemes.

Commenting on the survey findings, London Councils’ Executive Member for Culture, Tourism and 2012 Councillor Chris Roberts said:

“It is clear that the long-term benefits are what really matter to Londoners. Considering Londoners are paying £625 million through council tax towards the Games and the infrastructure needed to deliver it –effectively making them the largest sponsor– they are right to expect some return on their investment.

“Delivering on their expectations in the current economic climate will be tough. Fortunately London’s boroughs are already delivering benefits to communities across the capital – from better access to sporting facilities to job brokerage schemes to help more residents find employment. With two years to go, the Games are a once in a generation opportunity to deliver something very special for Londoners –we will continue to do our best alongside our partners to deliver the improvements their support deserves”