Westminster Council recently set out new high level plans for the Olympic Games next year and has committed itself to making the sure the event will be one to remember for visitors and residents!
For 100 days next summer London will be playing host to the largest series of events in its history, including the Olympic Games, the Queen's Golden Jubilee and World Pride.
Westminster will have a hugely important role to play during the games - thousands of visitors are expected to attend and the International Olympics Committee will be staying on Park Lane. The area will host an Olympic Torch Relay leg, the Brazilian National Olympic Committee at Somerset House, Archery at Lord's Cricket Ground, Beach Volleyball on Horse Guards Parade, men's and women's triathlons in Hyde and St. James's Parks, men's and women's Olympic and Paralympic road events and the Marathon Swim in the Serpentine.
The council is aiming to manage demand from visitors and continue to provide good services for residents during the Olympic games. Key staff will not be allowed to take leave during the games and licensing
hours and public transport operating hours could be extended.
Cllr Angela Harvey, Chairman of the Built Environment and Business, Enterprise and Skills Policy and Scrutiny Committee which discussed the plans last night said: “We will need to strike an appropriate balance between the needs of the Games themselves; helping Westminster businesses to maximise the opportunity which the Olympics present; and supporting the wider Westminster residential and business communities to get the best out of the games.”
