27 January 2010

Tessa Jowell, the Government’s Minister for Olympics, has praised Waltham Forest’s ambition to use the 2012 Games to kick-start a period of major improvements in the borough.

Speaking at the launch of the Council’s new culture strategy – which outlines the authority’s plans for developing arts, sport and communities across the borough – the Secretary of State, said:

“There’s something very uplifting about the pride that Waltham Forest have in their borough and I think it’s infectious in the wider Olympic family.
“Coming here and seeing the other bits of Waltham Forest as I know them, it’s very easy to understand why. Because what is absolutely the case is that all London’s growth over the next ten to 15 years is going to be here, it is going to be east.
“This is the part of London that will grow, this is the part of London that can become the knowledge centre for London and this is the part of London that will drive the engine of growth; in part on the strength of the Olympics but in greater part on the basis of the ambition that the boroughs have for their community, and that is where Waltham Forest sets such a very important lead.”

Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Chris Robbins, added:

“For those of us living here in Waltham Forest, one of the most deprived boroughs in London, the activities linked to the 2012 Games – as well as the Olympic Legacy – are as important as the sporting event itself.
“We want to make sure those residents most affected by the Games, get the most out of them, and we will continue to work hard to make sure everyone in Waltham Forest is getting more from the Games.”

The comments made by both Ms Jowell and Cllr Robbins follow a series of pledges from Waltham Forest Council in late 2009, relating to improvements in the run-up to the Games.

These included the announcement of a £6m training facility in Leytonstone, providing construction skills training and a pledge of £5m to be spent on improving streets and paving across Leyton.

The Minister also met with the borough’s Olympic Ambassadors at the event and discussed how more young people can become involved in the Games.

» For more information on what the 2012 Games mean to you

» Find out more about the culture strategy