I think the Olympics is great and I'm thrilled it is in London. I cycle pass the complex everyday. Enjoyed the opening ceremony too.
However, as for being the peoples Olympic I'm very much disappointed.
At Victoria Park there are couple of big screens, a music band stand, balloon and some big wheel and other contraptions. But the whole area is boarded up and is approx £15-20 for entry. Only 7000 people are allowed in.
Same goes for Hyde Park. One of my colleagues went there with his family and was told he couldn't take any food or liquid in (security threat). Had to be poured out and food thrown into bin. He said once inside cost of food and drinks were unbelievable -£4 for a hot-dog.
Can't go to Olympic grounds unless one has a ticket or is part of a guided tour. Tickets are £100+. For a family of 4 to enjoy the Olympics I doubt £500 would be sufficient.
Empty seats.
Only McDonalds is allowed to sell chips.
Old lady told to take knitted olympic rings off shop front display as she has not paid sponsorship.
Only Visa is accepted in Olympic grounds.
Local shops suffering badly as whole of London is like a deserted town. I've never seen the roads so empty. Tumbleweeds rolling down Hermon Hill. Hotels ripping off tourists. Lot's of metal barriers put up on pavements with no crowds at all. Lanes marked Olympic Lanes and not used at all.
I'm not sure I understand what legacy planners are talking about here? How not to conduct the Olympics is more my take on events.
What signal are we sending to tourists. Come to London and we'll fleece you.
Peoples Olympics? How so? Having spent £9.2bn it is purely a capitalist money making machine for the few at the expense of UK citizens.
I'm delighted for the competition and winning gold medals etc but very disappointed with delivery thus far. The legacy part remains to be seen.