London 2012: Eton Dorney Olympic rowing venue boosts economy

Residents have been advised to time their journeys outside the Games peak times

The Olympic rowing and canoeing events at Eton Dorney are expected to generate about three quarters of a billion pounds for the local Thames Valley economy, the chamber of commerce has said.

Some 25,000 people are expected at the competition each day.

Clair Prosser, from the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, said all the area's hotels were already full.

She said she expected restaurants and shops to be popular with visitors.

"We know that hotels are full - that's with Olympians and visitors - where are they going to eat?" Ms Prosser said.

"They're going to be spending their money in local restaurants, they're going to be out in the evening, and they are going to be shopping in the individual shops in Windsor and Eton and beyond."

Contingency plan

Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council has put in place special parking and travel arrangements from Saturday until events finish on 11 August.

Residents have been advised to time their journeys outside the Games peak times of 07:00 BST to 09:00 and 12.30 to 15:30.

Certain roads will be closed off while others will have restrictions on stopping, access and parking.

Games shuttle buses will run along the A308 to and from Maidenhead station and also to and from the park and ride sites at Braywick and Stafferton Way, Maidenhead.

Thames Valley Police will be responsible for controlling transport hubs around the area, covering an additional 300 acres.

Assistant Chief Constable John Campbell, from Thames Valley Police, said: "There's always been a contingency plan in place for us to deploy additional officers to the site if required.

"The officers we are using at Eton Dorney are not being taken away from other duties. They are being taken off rest days.

"The rest of the force is not suffering from the use of these additional resources."