Why oh why does the government seem to think that it is ok to waste £18 million (if not considerably more wihen inflation, tax and demolition costs are factored in).

Yet more concern expressed over the waste of taxpayers money and the planned Olympic venue for shooting disciplines in 2012. This time it comes in two letters to the Telegraph.

Who is responsible for making this decision and why does there not seem to be anyone ready to listen to the question of a venue and say why Woolwich is such a good venue and that the decision is so economically sound?

Link to Olympic website that details plans for shooting

Link to Olympic website that promises that all plans point towards sustainability and leaving a legacy for each sport. I quote "All the venues and plans have been designed with long-term use in mind."
No mention of this as far as shooting is concerned.

Telegraph letter 29th December 2007

No need for a new Olympic shooting facility

Sir - I just cannot understand why the Olympic Committee has decided to spend some £18 million on a temporary facility at Woolwich for the Olympic shooting events (Letters, December 27).

There is a world-class set-up at Bisley already, on good transport links (rail and M3) with London. If there are any shortcomings with the Bisley site, then surely it would cost a lot less than £18 million to upgrade the facilities, which would then be available for future use.

Can or will anybody from the Olympic Committee or the government ministry responsible for this decision provide any justification for it? This sounds to me like people who are not really accountable to those who are footing the bills, being rather profligate with other people's money.

Rod Dowden, Farnborough, Hampshire

Telegraph letter 27th December 2007

Olympic demolition

Sir - More than £18 million (at the 2006 bid price) will be spent on building the 2012 Olympic shooting sports venue at Woolwich Barracks. After the Olympics, it will be pulled down again.

This is not only a waste of money and an immoral use of resources but, more importantly, it does not leave any lasting legacy for shooting sports in this country.

Every year, Great Britain shooting teams work hard to bring home medals from competing worldwide in disciplines of the International Shooting Sports Federation and Fédération Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse. Shooting in Britain deserves a lasting legacy.

Graham Sanderson, Camelford, Cornwall
Back to top