3 Out of 4 People Believe London Olympics Will Bring No Noticeable Benefits to Their Region

April 3, 2008

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell says every part of the country will benefit from the 2012 Olympic Games in London. But a specially commissioned survey by the BBC’s Inside Out program suggests that 3 out of 4 people think that the region where they live will get no noticeable benefit - and even in London that figure was nearly 60%.

In an Inside Out - Olympics Special (Friday 4 April, 7.30pm, BBC One) the BBC’s Olympic correspondent, Adrian Warner, travels across England to find out if the benefits brought about by the London games will really extend beyond the capital.

He finds out whether Birmingham businesses will get a boost, if Olympics tourists will flock to destinations like Windsor and what the impact of the games might be on the arts in the North East of England.

Minister for the Olympics, Tessa Jowell, speaking to Adrian Warner and the Inside Out team is convinced that we can all benefit from the 2012 games: “We are not idiots here, we have actually thought very carefully before, during and after the bidding process about getting the very best value for money.”

She adds: “We have also given more thought and careful planning than any other city has ever done before in making sure that people all around the country have a part to play in the games and benefit from the games. That’s why support for the games all around the country is as high as it is.”

However Adrian discovers that although there will be benefits for both the country and the capital, there is real concern that most of the advantages will go to London and the South East.

Simon Topman, a local Birmingham businessman, says: ” I don’t think it will be a deliberate stitch up, but I think the South East will pick all the plums. Yes there will be opportunities, in theory, everywhere.

“But in practice the South East is switched on to the games, knows about the games and people down there are being a little bit more pro-active…”

Also in the program, Olympic legend Colin Jackson discovers why, despite government hopes, only 1 in 5 people feel inspired by the Olympics to participate in sport or exercise*.

He visits Aylsebury and finds out how serious investments in cycling facilities can raise fitness levels. And Colin shows off some of his Strictly Come Dancing moves when he takes a couple of single mums to a dance class in Skegness.
Question one

Do you think you are likely to go to the Olympic Games in London in 2012?

* National: yes = 25% no = 75%
* London: yes = 53% no = 47%

(Sample size: 248)

Question two

If you answered no to question one, why do you say that?

* Not interested in sports = 38%
* Too far to travel = 23%
* Cost/Too Expensive = 17%
* Security concerns = 2%
* Other = 33%
* Don’t know = 2%

(Sample size: 1498)

Question three

Do you think the region where you live will get any noticeable benefit from the Olympics?

* National: yes = 22% no = 73% don’t know = 5%
* London: yes = 33% no = 59% don’t know = 8%

(Sample size: 248)

Question four