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Home nations set to shun 2012 tickets
Matthew Beard, Evening Standard25.04.08
Claims that the London Olympics enjoy support across Britain have been undermined by official figures.
Just six per cent of the seven million spectators at the 2012 Games will come from the home nations, according to Olympics organisers' own forecasts.
Three per cent will come from Wales, two per cent from Scotland and only one per cent from Northern Ireland.
The estimates are contained in an Olympic Delivery Authority document forecasting transport demand.
Strong approval nationwide has been seen as critical amid rising budgets. Diversion of cash for the Olympics has meant a £114 million cut in lottery funds in Scotland, £65million in Wales and £42 million in Northern Ireland.
The ODA reckons half the UK spectators will come from the South-East and a third will come from overseas.
A London 2012 spokeswoman said ticketing plans would be aimed at the whole of Britain. "Up to half those questioned in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales say they would be interested in attending events in 2012."
Reader views (3)
The only people who will benefit from the Olympics are the organizers and the builders. Certainly not the country or the taxpayer.
- Ted, London
The Olympics in itself don't warrant the expenditure but Livingstone himself said he wanted the Olympics to deliver regeneration of East London which would not happen anytime soon without the Olympic project. London is the powerhouse for the UK and these other areas benefit from London taxpayers all the time. Especially the Scots!
- Mike, Southbank, London, England
All of this money would be better spent on playing fields and better gym equipment for schools instead of a couple of weeks of games.
The same effect could be achieved at any sports centre in any small city in England at a fraction of the cost.
If you like I can guy a stopwatch and referee the whole thing for a fee of 50 pounds.
There you go, a full Olympic games on a sensible budget.
- Jimbob, Kensington
