I suppose all the superb facilities the residents of London will inherit after the games and the revenue streams they will bring, improved infrastructure etc.

I'm dead chuffed I was consulted over that, as local libraries and countless other services are being axed without my consent also.

Oh, and we are so going to lurve that cable car across the river. And the athletes village, which will not be sold or rented at anything like rates that enable the area's low-paid citizens to enjoy them.

Incidentally, what are our views on the negative impact of the Games on businesses?

I take it you voted - so in a democracy your consent was sort and adhered to. Let's face it this is your view on union ballots - surely you're not a hypocrite?

I think in any event of this nature there will winners and losers and on the whole the winners well out weigh the losers.

Also what was basically derelict land has been transformed into one of finest sporting facilities anywhere in the world. This simply enhances what is already one of the world's premier cities. Livingstone knew exactly what he was doing getting tax payers and lottery monies directed to this project.

Cable car - I bet you said that about the Wheel? now one of London's premier tourist attractions.

You feel aggrieved what about all those tax payers who have contributed to the OG and will see no benefit other than two weeks of TV.

Oh indeed, dearie. I consider voting to be the most simple and basic level of democracy. Not that we were ever given the chance to vote on the matter of the Games.



You could, of course, reveal here what elections were held in London (let's stick with the capital for the sake of the argument) and what votes we, the electorate therefore had a chance to vote in, when our opinion was sought.



Why?

Okay: lots of sporting winners. Great. But why? What does it benefit the country as a whole? What is the benefit to the community?



Livingstone was/is a banker. And that's irrelevant because I've said the same for years.



Urr! That's me, chuck! Are you seriously not paying attention? I'm getting no benefit. But that doesn't worry me. What concerns me are the businesses – and small ones in particular – that are SUFFERING as a direct result of the Games.

Could you get your brain cell around that, dear.

PS: glad to see you do not support British business.

Howzabout you pour yourself into a very stretchy leotard and get your ass down there then, and gain some personal benefit from all the expensive facilities we have so generously provided for you London types?

You certainly appear to be getting plenty of enjoyment according to your Twitter feed.

Numerically or monetarily?

If the latter (which is what I suspect), then it's failed in its promise.

How about you get a brain cell – and then exercise it? Given the education that the taxpayer has kindly given you, we should demand our money back.

In the meantime, I shall be enjoying a little gentle kayaking over the next few weeks.



Glad to see that you're paying attention.

I have never suggested that the sport would not be good. This does not change the assaults on civil liberties, the negative impact on small businesses in particular and the obscenity of the whole corporatist shebang. And because politicians have been promising that it will provide a big economic boost. Just because most of us suspect that politicians will say anything does not somehow change the fact that this was either spouted from ignorance/hope or simply a downright lie, because the Games are having a negative impact economically.

Indeed, one might ask whether you believe that your ability to enjoy RL should come at a cost to businesses, civil liberties, taxpayers etc? If not, why would this then be different?

One of my customers is a trial pilot site in Stratford, one of 4 convenience stores within walking distance of each other, 2 of which he purchased over the past 18 months with an eye on this fortnight, he has employed a further 19 staff since the start of July and is experiencing turnover growth in the 1000's% currently.

Not ALL small business is suffering, not ALL small business will gain either, sweeping generalisations don't work, not all Tier ones business in the West End is experiencing growth as forecast, but we don't feel sorry for them do we? as they are part of the corporarist elite. Suspect their temporary staff may do come September.

I think I posted something about the general impact on the centre of town last week. But a downfall in trade at, say, John Lewis, will not have the same impact as the downfall in trade on a small business.