As we countdown to the start of the Olympic Mountain Bike events at Hadleigh Farm, Essex County Council reflects on a magnificent week for Essex and the London 2012 Olympics.

Essex County Councillor Stephen Castle, Cabinet Member for Education, Life Long Learning and the 2012 Games has been following the action: “What a week this has been. Team GB are flying in the medal tables with some outstanding wins. I have been cheering on our Team Essex Ambassadors as they compete for Gold as well as preparing myself for the Olympic event in our County, where we will finally get the chance to showcase this stunning part of Essex to the world”.

Essex County Council is not only proud hosts of the Olympic Mountain Bike venue, but also a key partner in the Lee Valley White Water Centre, where this week the world witnessed Team GB walk away with both the Gold and Silver in the C2 class Canoe Slalom. Both Tim Baillee and Etienne Stott picked up the Gold whilst David Florence and Richard Hounslow snapped up the Silver. 

This week also saw our fantastic Team Essex Ambassadors take to the stage. Chloe Rodgers has stormed her way through in the Hockey having beaten Japan, Korea and Belgium with only China and Netherlands left in their pool.  A sterling effort was put in by Brentwood swimmer Roberto Pavoni as he competed alongside the worlds most decorated Olympian Michael Phelps. James Huckle, Essex Sports Personality of the Year and one of our youngest TEA’s, put in a great performance in his first two heats in the shooting with one more heat to go. We have high hope for our cyclist Laura Trott who will be competing in the velodrome and like the Men’s Team Pursuit, can hopefully bring home the Gold. Finally Sailor Saskia Clarke will take to the water to begin her fight for Gold at this year’s Games.

Another success for Essex this week is the decision to approve the Hadleigh Farm Legacy proposals for Hadleigh Farm and Hadleigh Country Park after the Olympic Games. Earlier this week, Castle Point Borough Council Planning Committee voted in favour of the planning proposal which will retain and adapt the Olympic Mountain Bike course for use by the public, as well as expand and enhance Hadleigh Country Park, providing opportunities for people to more fully access, enjoy and appreciate the area’s natural historic environment. The plans also include a Visitors Centre, Café, bike hire shop and network of multi user walking and cycling tracks.

Councillor Castle continued: “We are delighted with the decision from the planning committee. As we watch the stunning images of the historic landscape at Hadleigh being beamed around the world next week, Essex residents can be proud not just of hosting the exciting and challenging Olympic events but proud of the promise of a legacy."

There are already a number of legacy benefits throughout the county with the intention to provide world class venues to aid and inspire the next generation of athletes and leisure users alike. With the Lee Valley White Water Centre opening its door to the public only three weeks after the Olympic events and the fantastic Basildon Sporting Village encouraging more sports participation in the county. Essex will be benefiting from a sporting legacy for years to come.