The leader of Merton Council has backed our campaign to overturn a policy that stops reporters from the Wimbledon Guardian getting into the Olympic Games.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis wrote to the head of the British Olympic Authority (BOA) to ask them to think again after all regional press applications for passes were declined, prompting the Wimbledon Guardian to speak out.

In a letter to the BOA’s chief executive, Andy Hunt, Coun Alambritis said he was “appalled” when he heard about the snub.

He wrote: “The Games have rightly been promoted as being for the people, but preventing local journalists from attending this event goes against this great ideal.

“Most Londoners will not be able to attend any Olympic events, but they will want to read about them in their local newspapers.

“The Games will provide many wonderful opportunities for stories about local people who will be involved in one way or another with the Games, whether attending an event, volunteering their time to carry out necessary Games-related duties, or organising community events to mark this wonderful occasion.

“These stories are at risk of not being told if local journalists are prohibited from directly covering the Games.”

Coun Alambritis received a response from Mr Hunt – written four days later – which contained the same wording to a response sent to an earlier complaint from London Assembly member John Biggs (published on page 11 in last week’s Wimbledon Guardian).

Mr Hunt said: “Please be assured should the BOA receive a second allocation of media accreditations from the IOC, local and regional papers, along with other news organisations, will again receive due consideration for allocation.”

No indication has been given on when, or even if, a second allocation of press passes will be made available.

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