The overture has sounded on a bid to stage the 2012 Olympics in East London which could prompt massive investment in south Essex.
It is hoped the cash and the mass tourism which goes hand in hand with the world's biggest sporting festival could spill into Essex and the Thames Gateway.
Leisure centres in the area could be used as training arenas for the games and hotels could host some of world's top sporting stars if the bid is successful. David Garston, Southend's executive councillor for regeneration, said: "We would support anything that will improve the economy to the area. It would give a huge morale boost to the Thames Gateway area.
"We would still have visitors coming in and with a large events like this we could make a bid for our hotels."
Southend councillors also unanimously voiced their support for the bid at their meeting last night.
The dad of a medal-winning sportsman today backed east London's bid.
Alan Macey, the father of Canvey decathlete Dean Macey, said: "I have not discussed the bid with Dean but I think he should be very pleased if London was chosen. It would be right on the doorstep for him and there is no reason why he should not still be competing when he is 34."
Published Friday, May 16, 2003
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