Comments on: Andrew Gilligan: Huge Majority Oppose Greenwich Olympics

By: The “bogus claims” of Olympic protestors and the “cult of personality” at Greenwich Time - Nick Raynsford Interview pt 2 | Greenwich.co.uk

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:24:37 +0000

[...] majority” of young people are “wholly supportive” he is dismissive of a recent survey carried out by Conservative Assembly member Gareth Bacon showing significant opposition to the [...]

By: Kevin M

Kevin M — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:03 +0000

I came to this third or fourth hand. But, Jesus wept, what sort of ego trip is Gilligan on?

By: Paul G

Paul G — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:47:08 +0000

Recent letters to Greenwich Time have trumpeted how the residents of Greenwich will soon be able to enjoy world-class sporting events right on their doorstep. Am I missing something? Are the Olympics committee giving free tickets to borough residents?

By: Indigo

Indigo — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:39:01 +0000

About 10 days ago, YouGov panellists completed an on-line survey in which two of the questions were about the London Olympics. In the first question, panellists had to indicate on a sliding scale how happy they were when they heard that London had won the competition to host the Olympics; and then for a second question, on a similar sliding scale, indicate how happy they are today about London hosting the Olympics.

Often, the results of YouGov surveys are published quite quickly but I have not seen this one published. Am guessing that the result turned out to be not politically acceptable ….

By: GORN61

GORN61 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:48 +0000

I think you misunderstand what “legacy” means.

By: steve

steve — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:53:19 +0000

The games in the park are going to be great… under a 1000 days to go and counting! As Bob says, does anyone really think the authorities are going to say no??… having the equestrian event in our Park is legacy enough!

By: GORN61

GORN61 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:36:54 +0000

I’d like the organisers to stop spinning this as having a legacy to us – it’s dishonest, and it’s patronising. I’d also prefer that they hadn’t presented us with an arrogant fait accompli, with an attempt to sweeten it with the “legacy” spin.
Much better would be to ask us what we think of having the horsey stuff in the park, and how we might like to see it happening if it were to happen.
I don’t care that there’s no legacy – I do care that they are trying to convince me there is.

By: will

will — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:47:10 +0000

So what legacy would you like in the Park? If they build a stadium/permanent structure, none of us would be happy. If they don’t build something permanent, you moan about no legacy (even though intangible legacies will be left). You’ve picked an aspect where LOCOG cannot win, purely to make a point.

But I’ll ask again, what legacy would there be in Badminton?

This whole legacy question is a red herring.

By: Andrew Gilligan

Andrew Gilligan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:22:50 +0000

… And as far as I know, bonfire night does not require the closure of large sections of the heath for ten months!

By: Andrew Gilligan

Andrew Gilligan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:20:02 +0000

No – my comments about the vapidity of the pro camp do not apply to the Olympics as a whole. Very clear promises of a substantial legacy have been made for the Games north of the river. Though I am certain that most of those promises will not be kept, I do think there will be some legacy, such as a new park.

Also, whether they leave a legacy or not, the Stratford end of the Games will at least do relatively little damage to anything except taxpayers’ wallets. The area where they are to be held was previously polluted and industrial and will, on balance, be improved for the Olympics having been held there.

None of this applies to Greenwich Park.