London gains ground as candidate

By Matthew Chance
CNN

The proposed stadium and facilities for London

• 2012 cities seek value for money

• Paris, London bids praised

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- London is emerging as a strong candidate, along with Paris, to host the 2012 Olympic Games. But there's growing local concern at the consequences of the Games coming to Britain.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are backing London's bid, along with political support from the top.

"The reason for us having the Olympics is legacy," says Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"We can build something that is not just going to be great for a few weeks of the Olympic Games but for the years before and the years after. ... (It) will be a substantial transformation for sport in this country."

London has put together an impressive bid package, which would transform rundown areas of the city's East End with a massive urban regeneration project featuring state-of-the-art sports facilities.

Concerns over transport links were overcome, according to the International Olympic Committee, thanks mostly to a new underground railway connecting the sports venues with central London.

London's Olympic organizers appear upbeat about their chances and seem to enjoy public support.

But not all Londoners are behind the Olympic effort. Some are increasingly concerned at what the Games would mean for the environment, the local community and business.

One of those businesses is a traditional East End salmon smokery, Britain's oldest, which its owners say is under threat if the 2012 Games come to town.

It and hundreds of other small London companies will have insufficient time or money to relocate, they say.

"It would be great for us if London won the bid. All our clients would be busy, the hotels would be busy, it would be a fantastic opportunity for us. We love the idea of London winning. But not if it means we're gonna be wiped out," says salmon smoker Lance Foreman.

The race for the 2012 Olympic Games is being closely watched in London by supporters and opponents alike.

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