What a pity it is, when London, very much against the odds, secured the 2012 Olympic Games that people should complain about the cost of staging such an event.

Yes, the games will cost money, nothing is for nothing.

But look at the enormous benefits. Apart from the obvious prestige value the games will bring, a huge part of east London will be regenerated, including additional rail links, roads, a new Thames crossing plus the provision of much-needed housing and new parks.

Cities which host the Olympics benefit from a large increase in tourists, not only during the games year, but in subsequent years.

Tony Kinsler
Old Park Ridings, Winchmore Hill