Liberal Democrats welcome proposal to use Bedford Borough sites for Olympics training

5.36.00pm GMT Fri 7th Mar 2008

Athletes training for events at the London Olympic Stadium may be training at Bedford International Athletics Stadium in 2012 following its inclusion in the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the recommendation that several sites across Bedford Borough should be used as training camps in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012.

The list of sites in the 2012 Olympics Training Camp Guide include Bedford International Athletic Stadium (Athletics), Bedford Modern School (table tennis), Bedford Autodrome (road cycling), the Bunyan Centre (fencing, judo and wrestling), University of Bedfordshire's Bedford Campus (archery) and College Equestrian Centre in Keysoe.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Councillor Phil Merryman said:

"I am delighted that venues in Bedford Borough have been listed in the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide and hope that many countries choose to send their teams to the area to train.'

"This is a fantastic opportunity. It will boost the local economy and ensure that the Olympic legacy reaches beyond London.'

"The London Olympics will be a major event and the government has agreed to put a huge amount of money into the games. It is therefore right that areas outside the capital benefit from the Olympics being staged in our country.'

"I am looking forward to welcoming athletes from all over the world to Bedford Borough in 2012."