Gatwick airport investment 'positive news for Olympics'

Date: 10/1/2012

The government has welcomed Gatwick airport's decision to invest £1 billion in improving its facilities ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said such transport hubs need to give visitors a good first impression of the UK and therefore they will "play a key part" in the success of the event.

She explained the improvements at Gatwick will not only do this, but they will be beneficial to passengers in the future.

"The Olympics can be a real boost to jobs, businesses and tourism and I am determined that transport will play a full part," Ms Greening added.

Yesterday (January 9th), the minister attended a meeting chaired by David Cameron at the Olympic Park in Stratford to discuss how Britain can use the Games to sell and promote itself to the rest of the world.

At the end of last year, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced 4,500 additional seats will be provided on daily trains in and out of London Paddington and it is hoped the changes will be in place ready for the sporting event.

The Games kick off on July 27th.

Posted by Mary Treen