Borough celebrates being granted Olympic host status - announcement will mean jobs, opportunities and investment says Council Leader
24/09/2010
Barking and Dagenham Council today welcomed the announcement that the borough has become an Olympic host borough.
The decision means that Barking and Dagenham will join Newham, Greenwich, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest as Olympic host boroughs and will mean that the borough will now have a greater share in the opportunities that the 2012 Games will bring.
Council leader Liam Smith, said: “This is great news for Barking and Dagenham. This announcement is a vote of confidence in our borough and we are delighted to be joining the 2012 Olympic borough family.
“Like the other Olympic boroughs we share a determination that the 2012 Olympics will shine a positive light on East London and that the Games bring real benefits to local people.
“Our borough has a strong sporting heritage, and becoming an Olympic borough will allow us to build a permanent sporting legacy and bring new jobs and investment into Barking and Dagenham.
“We are grateful to Newham’s Mayor Sir Robin Wales and the other Olympic borough Mayors and council leaders for their support, we have a lot in common.
“Working with the other host boroughs we are determined to make the most of the opportunity that the 2012 Games and their legacy present. Instead of being on the fringes of events in 2012, I am delighted that Barking and Dagenham will now be an integral part of London’s 2012 Olympic Games.
“This is good news for local business, bringing with it job opportunities and a lasting legacy for local communities.”
Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales warmly welcomed Barking and Dagenham Council becoming an Olympic host borough.
Sir Robin, who chairs the host boroughs, said: “It is fantastic to have Barking and Dagenham joining the team. They are an integral part of the East End and they already have strong links with the other host boroughs so it makes perfect sense.
“London is moving east. This is the capital’s new powerhouse. Closer cooperation between the boroughs will ensure our people get the maximum benefit from the transformation the Games will bring.”
He added: “The host boroughs are committed to working together to support London 2012 and all the strategic partners in ensuring that the Games are a success. For the boroughs and most importantly our local people, communities and business it is not just about the Games themselves but the opportunities that they present between now and 2012.
“It is about their catalytic effect in securing a lasting legacy to the benefit of our communities.”