I am concerned and perplexed as to why London residents should be asked to pay towards the cost of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

If it, as every one of the experts involved insists, will make a substantial profit, then the obvious solution is for the Government to put all the necessary funds up front and claim this money back after the Games, leaving the profit for the International Olympic Committee. This way, the games will cost us nothing.

With the funding in place we would stand a much better chance of winning the games for London.

Also, I would like to know how much Londoners are being asked to pay.

Will we get the money back when the Games make their profit? If not, why not?

And finally, if being forced to pay this extra amount for five years, will my council tax be reduced by the relevant amount in the sixth year?

R Stead Address supplied