Your view: Commonwealth Games worth the cash?

The London Olympics were worth the multi-billion price tag, according to a recent study.

A ComRes poll identified that more than two thirds of the UK public believe the £8.77 billion cost of London 2012 was value for money.

The study also suggested more people in Great Britain are active since the Games, with 11 per cent of the public exercising more than they were a year ago.

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Commonwealth Games and Sport minister Shona Robison hopes Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games can secure a similar legacy.

She said: “The Games coming to Scotland provides an exceptional opportunity to make our nation healthier and help our businesses to prosper.

“They will also celebrate our modern and vibrant culture both at home and on the world stage.”

According to the Scottish government, Scottish businesses have won more than 75% of Games contracts, while 150 community sports hubs are being established.

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The £10 million Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund is also helping community groups to build, upgrade and improve facilities in their local area, according to Holyrood.

The main organisers, Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Scottish government, Glasgow city council and Glasgow 2014 Ltd, have pledged a commitment to delivering the Games to the required standard within the approved £524m budget.

However, the cost of making sure facilities such as Hampden Park and the Athletes Village are ready in time, as well as expenditure on security, could mean the price of the Games rises even further.

So what do southsiders think?

David Little (57), from Cathcart, said: “I am looking forward to the Games and firmly believe they will leave a positive legacy. Glasgow is a vibrant city and 2014 will showcase that. The athletes will be well received and there will be a great atmosphere.”

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16-year-old Giulia Zangrande, also from Cathcart, told The Extra: “My friend Jack Turner is a boxer competing in the Games so I can’t wait — although, I think there are other things in Glasgow that need the money more such as roads and welfare.”

And for Craig Haughey (24), from Shawlands, the Games are “a great way to provide some much needed investment in Glasgow. It will mean more athletic houses, more social housing and an upgrading of many public areas.”

Shawlands man Peter Reid (55) added: “I am keeping an open mind. We won’t be able to judge the legacy till we can see it for ourselves in a few years time. It could definitely encourage a lot of kids to take up sport and that is much needed.”

The ticketing guide for the Commonwealth Games is available at www.glasgow2014.com/tickets and in leisure centres, libraries, museums and transport hubs.