(ATR) The controversy over rising costs of staging the London 2012 Olympics appears to have failed to prevent a surge in public support for the Games, according to a London 2012 survey.
According to the poll taken this month, 79 per cent of the 1000 respondents back the Games, a rise of 4 per cent on a similar UK poll conducted in September 2005.
The results released by LOCOG include only a single question and not additional queries that might more fully explore public opinion on the costs and impact of the Games.
Londoners gave a 75% approval rating for the Olympics, despite revelations last month of a value added tax (VAT) shortfall of as much as $476 million on the construction costs. The possibility exists that this cost could be borne by London taxpayers who are already paying extra to help finance the Games.
Government debate about the spiraling budget for the Olympics infrastructure - which has risen nearly $2 billion - and the well-documented criticism of organizers by the former chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, Jack Lemley, all taking place in the past month, would appear not to be a deflating factor for public opinion.
A London 2012 spokesman tells Around the Rings: "The survey results reflect the strong passion for sport and for the Olympics across the UK."
Seb Coe, chairman of the organising committee, described the results as "very heartening", adding: "Our aim is to deliver a memorable Olympic Games and Paralympic Games with a lasting legacy for the nation, and we have made very good progress to date, with several 'milestone' moments in recent weeks.
"The whole of the UK is looking at ways to maximize benefits from the Games, from business opportunities, to tourism benefits to inspiring more young people to take up sport, and such strong public support will help us make sure no opportunities are missed."
The strongest support for staging the 2012 Games came from respondents in Wales and the west of England (87%), followed by the north (80%), the south (79%), the midlands (78%), London (75%) and Scotland (64%).
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