Organisers of the London Olympics have been criticised for failing to consult people in Weymouth and Portland over controversial plans to turn a public park into a ticketed venue, with spectators paying up to £55 to watch the sailing events next year.
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The 2012 Games will be the first in Olympic history to charge fans to watch sailing races, with temporary seating being provided for up to 4,600 paying customers in Nothe Gardens, a Weymouth beauty sport popular among dog-walkers and picnickers that overlooks one of the racing areas at Newton’s Cove.
But members of Weymouth and Portland Council said they received official notification about the plan only a week before Christmas — more than two months after the London organising committee, Locog, announced the ticket prices for the Games, including sailing.
The council’s first opportunity to debate the plan was last week at its management committee meeting.
Liberal Democrat councillor John Birtwistle, whose ward includes the council-owned Nothe Gardens, said it had not occurred to Locog to speak to residents and park-users about the plan. “Locog don’t seem to see any need to talk to local people,” he said. “They made no attempt hitherto to tell us what they want. “They may have told council officers, but they certainly haven’t told the people or the elected councillors.”
Tory councillor Roger Allen, who represents the same ward, said many residents were furious about the loss of a popular amenity during the Games.
Locog has defended its decision to sell tickets on the grounds that, for the first time, sailing will be presented as a true onshore spectator experience — something the International Sailing Federation is keen to develop. The organisers also cite safety concerns, with a ticketed venue allowing them to predict crowd numbers. They insist the move is not motivated by financial gain.
For those unwilling to pay, there will still be one or two free vantage points near Newton’s Cove as well a free site with a giant screen and stage on Weymouth Beach.
The sailing competitions will take place on five courses but only at Newtons Cove will spectators be able to watch from land with the naked eye. Tickets, which will go on sale in March, will range from £20 for preliminary races to £55 for medal races, though discounts will be available for children and over-60s.
Locog said councillors were invited to a meeting about Nothe Gardens in October. It added that there would be a public consultation later this year prior to submitting a formal planning application.
However, with tickets due to go on sale in two months’ time, Birtwistle said it was too late for any meaningful discussion. “It is consultation in the style we are getting used to, which is ‘we decide what we are going to do, then we’ll tell you,’” he said.
“My definition of consultation is that you say what you’re thinking of doing, you offer a series of options and you ask people what they think about them. Then it goes to elected members to make the decision.”
Allen had no objection to the idea of selling tickets but wished there had been an opportunity to inform the public and debate the issue properly.
“What they are saying is ‘we’re going to do a consultation and the tickets went on sale yesterday,’” he said. “That sort of thing puts people’s backs up, so you stand less chance of bringing the public with you.
“It’s human nature. If I tell you that a decision has been made and that it’s going to happen whether you like it or not, the chances are that you will rub against it.”
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For those unwilling to pay, there will still be one or two free vantage points near Newton’s Cove as well a free site with a giant screen and stage on Weymouth Beach.
The sailing competitions will take place on five courses but only at Newtons Cove will spectators be able to watch from land with the naked eye. Tickets, which will go on sale in March, will range from £20 for preliminary races to £55 for medal races, though discounts will be available for children and over-60s.
Locog said councillors were invited to a meeting about Nothe Gardens in October. It added that there would be a public consultation later this year prior to submitting a formal planning application.
However, with tickets due to go on sale in two months’ time, Birtwistle said it was too late for any meaningful discussion. “It is consultation in the style we are getting used to, which is ‘we decide what we are going to do, then we’ll tell you,’” he said.
“My definition of consultation is that you say what you’re thinking of doing, you offer a series of options and you ask people what they think about them. Then it goes to elected members to make the decision.”
Allen had no objection to the idea of selling tickets but wished there had been an opportunity to inform the public and debate the issue properly.
“What they are saying is ‘we’re going to do a consultation and the tickets went on sale yesterday,’” he said. “That sort of thing puts people’s backs up, so you stand less chance of bringing the public with you.
“It’s human nature. If I tell you that a decision has been made and that it’s going to happen whether you like it or not, the chances are that you will rub against it.”
Spyns is an active travel company based in Whistler, BC (Canada). For more information about Spyns and our package tours to the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games, including London Olympics hotels, London 2012 tickets, and summer games VIP access, please visit our websites http://www.london-olympiad.com/ http://www.london2012-tours.com/ and http://www.london-tours-2012.com/ or call us toll-free at 1.888.825.4720
