'The sports, housing and infrastructure development in the East End of London is a great opportunity for our region's business. The decision to host the Games means that the Thames Gateway development can go ahead with confidence. The whole of the region will benefit from the large investment in transport infrastructure, especially rail, at Stratford. The railway system into Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street stands to get the modernisation it has needed for decades. CrossRail is now essential. Stansted, London City and Southend Airports will also flourish.
'The government and local authorities must insist that all this potential development is sustainable in environmental terms. It would be scandalous if the dilapidation of the Victorian East End were to be replaced in the future by a polluting legacy of an Olympian East End. The East of England must get stuck into the planning operation in a big way. The Olympic challenge for the East of England is to assert ourselves as a coherent region for the first time.
'I am delighted that Broxbourne has been chosen as the centre for canoeing and Weald Country Park for cycling.
'I also welcome the huge injection of international interest in our region, which should be of lasting benefit to our tourism.
'The job of welcoming so many foreigners will be a great chance to show the hospitable multi-cultural face of Britain.
'Liberal Democrats at all levels will play an active part in rising to these Olympic challenges.'
ENDS.
