Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby has abandoned unpopular plans to charge people to watch world class athletes training for the London Olympics next year.
Coun Whitby's u-turn came after it was revealed he was considering admission charges to watch the USA and Jamaican athletes at the Alexander Stadium and the University of Birmingham next summer.
He said: “Quite rightly we will and do look at a whole range of revenue generating ideas but this is not something we will be taking forward.”
Coun Whitby said that charges were considered during a briefing on council budget cuts and stressed that the council was always looking to increase revenue to reduce the burden of cuts.
The USA Track and Field Team and Jamaican athletes, which include Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, will spend a month in Birmingham preparing for the 2012 Olympics.
Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood who represents the communities surrounding Alexander Stadium and said local youngsters should be able to visit the training camps for free.
He welcomed the turn around, adding: “Mike Whitby has seen sense and this silly idea has been nipped in the bud.
"It is important as many people in Birmingham can see these athletes and be inspired. It is a vital part of the Olympic legacy.”
