A call is being made for the people of Tendring to do all they can to make sure London wins the bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

Harwich MP Ivan Henderson said better transport links were among the improvements needed to enable tourists and local people travelling to the Games to reach the different venues which will be used for the various sporting events.

Mr Henderson said: "We are going to need all these transport links to get to these venues and we are near enough to gain from people staying in hotels here."

Essex is set to gain economic and social benefits from the Games and it is hoped the county will host training camps and help to provide facilities as well.

Traditionally, the host city has adopted sporting centres up to 40 miles from the main venue and there is hope events will also be held in Essex.

The London bid is expected to cost £17 million and focuses on Stratford in the east.

Published Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette