Legacy is a word that has become synonymous with the build to up the 2012 Olympic Games, but what does this actually mean at local authority level?As Westminster prepares to play the host to millions of visitors everyday this summer, many of our long term attentions are already turning to how we can use the this opportunity to utilise the games to benefit our residents.Health and sport are the obvious agenda items for authorities across the UK – right here in London we are currently spending £300,000 to improve the historic Paddington athletics track where Roger Bannister trained for his famous four-minute mile.But pride is a British spirit that should not be underestimated at a time like this. The Olympics, coupled with the Queen’s diamond jubilee, gives us all the inspiration to make the most of what our areas have to offer.Right now, councils across the Olympic host sites, from Weymouth to Wembley, are engaged in a clean-up operation to get them looking better than ever before, and also concentrating on making sure all the arrangements, including road closures and parking changes are accurately and openly communicated to the public.This is important.But, once the razzmatazz is over, local authorities will only have a few months to capture the spirit that is enveloping the UK and use it to give communities and individuals a renewed sense of civic pride and participation in sport.Each area will want to do this in their way. In Westminster we’ll be working with neighbourhoods to improve their streets, running community awards and redoubling our efforts to promote sports through ‘Active Westminster’.Right now Local Government has a golden, or maybe even a diamond, opportunity to help create a lasting environment similar to what we are seeing during this summer.Authorities that haven’t yet established them should create annual events, in particular civic pride awards. They should reward those in the community who really make a difference to the lives of other people and the areas they frequent or inhabit.The Olympics are coming, we are all prepared – but let’s use it to shape attitudes, help those that need it, and allow us all to take pride in our local areas. That should be the lasting legacy.
