A GRENADE from World War II, a missing child and a slump in Greenwich town centre business were just some of the issues that the council had to respond to London 2012, according to information just revealed.
The incidents were all recorded in a Daily Log that was made available to councillors last night as Chief Executive Mary Ney gave an update on the Games to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
The WWII grenade was found near Woolwich Pier on August 6th. Two more devices were found on the 7th and 8th of August at Murphy’s Wharf near Greenwich Yacht Club but disposed of without further incident.
Other incidents recorded by the council included:
- An attempted “late night incursion” by revellers in to Greenwich Park on the night of the Opening Ceremony
- Abuse of military personnal in Greenwich town centre, for which three people were charged
- Illegal trading during the Olympic Torch Relay – flags, glowsticks and t-shirts were seized
- A peaceful protest against the Syrian government outside the Old Royal Naval College
- Problems with parking permits which led to the council delaying the introduction of enforcement measures
The well publicised issue of spectators being prevented from accessing some parts of the town centre led to light barriers being removed and the council allocating “entertainers and animation to direct visitors to Greenwich Market.”
An operational Command and Communication structure had been put in place before the Olympics with Gold, Silver and Bronze teams.
The only issue to be escalated to Gold command – Mary Ney and director of regeneration, John Comber – during the Olympics was a child reported missing in Greenwich town centre on August 8th. The child was found later that day with its grandmother.
Following the presentation, committee chairman Mick Hayes thanked the Chief Executive and council officers for their “excellent work” during Games Time.