Londoners back Olympic Games

Friday, 29 October 2004 12:00 AM

According to a new opinion poll, Londoners are fully behind the capital's bid for the Olympic Games in 2012.

The poll, drawn up by ICM for the Mayor of London, suggests that 67 per cent of Londoners back the Games coming to London, with only 21 per cent in opposition.

The bidding team are well aware that public support for the Games will be one of the key criteria for the IOC's bid assessment team - who are eager to avoid the prospect of half empty stadiums on television.

To this end, the Mayor has launched a major publicity campaign around London, entitled "back the bid", urging Londoners to show their support either by text message or logging onto a website.

According to the poll, there is also a high awareness among Londoners about the proposed funding arrangements, with 70 per cent aware of the arrangements and 63 per cent believing it is reasonable.

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: "The poll demonstrates that once all the facts are explained Londoners overwhelmingly support the funding package for the 2012 Olympics."

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe added: "The funding agreement on bringing the Olympics to London, with a council tax rise of 38 pence a week, is excellent value, with Londoners getting an extra £3 in public investment from the lottery for every £1 they will contribute."

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