Games On: Briddock and Matthews welcome the London Olympics and new sports facilities for Hythe

Hythe Lib Dem campaigners Sam Matthews and Darren Briddock have reacted with delight to the news that the Olympic Games have been awarded to London. With a new sports centre planned for Hythe and backed by the Lib Dems, they hope it will lead to a huge increase in interest for sport amongst local young people over the next few years.

Sam Matthews said:

"I'm sure the Olympics are going to bring a real sense of pride to the UK, as well as a boost in terms of jobs and tourism. We should ensure Hythe and Shepway as a whole shares those benefits by considering the huge impact and planning for it now. We also must make sure we see the health and other benefits that we could see through a revived interest in sport in the run up to, through, and beyond the Games.

"The new Sports Centres for Hythe and Folkestone now seem perfectly timed to capitalise on that interest - we should make sure they go ahead as soon as possible."

Darren Briddock added:

"Many of the people I have spoken to in the last few weeks in Hythe South have said how much they are looking forward to the new Sports Centre. They are concerned that a very few local residents are seeking to put into doubt a scheme that has real benefits for the area.

"It's essential that the worn out and leaking Hythe Pool is replaced, and the additional facilities will give a real focus for people across the area, especially younger people who have few other facilities. Perhaps the new centre will help Hythe develop it's own Olympians to make the short journey to East London in 2012 - what a boost that would be!"

Sam Matthews and Darren Briddock are the Liberal Democrat candidates for the Hythe East and South Town Council by-elections scheduled for 21 July.