CONCERNS that the London Olympics will deplete lottery funding for community groups, charities, sports and arts organisations have been taken up by West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox. Last week the Government announced that an extra £675 million would be taken from the Lottery funds in order to meet the spiralling £9 billion costs of the 2012 Olympics. These funds are normally allocated to community and voluntary groups. Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, Mr Cox paid tribute to the work of local arts organisations like Beaford Arts and their importance to rural communities far away from London. He asked what action would be taken to minimise the effects of the loss of lottery funds to the Olympics. The Prime Minister recognised the importance of smaller community groups but was unable to give any firm indication as to whether funding could be replaced or if the 2012 event would raid lottery funds in the future, said Mr Cox. The MP added: 'Small sports, charitable and community groups are the backbone of our local communities and rely on lottery funds to operate. 'The massive investment in the Olympics will undoubtedly bring benefits to London and some areas but we are unlikely to see many of them directly in Torridge and West Devon, whereas we shall certainly feel keenly the impact if lottery support dries up.' Mr Cox has made representations to the Culture Secretary and is due to meet with Lottery operator Camelot to determine what can be done to secure funding for these groups in future.
