Dorset Olympic sailing control fears 'nonsense'

Weymouth and Portland will host the sailing events during the 2012 Olympics

Rumours that Olympic organisers will be given absolute power in Dorset during the Olympic sailing events have been dismissed by a council official.

There have been suggestions London 2012 organisers Locog would have autonomy over the borough council.

But a borough council official called it "nonsense".

The official also spoke to dispel a rumour circulating around Weymouth that an Act of Parliament had been passed giving Locog absolute power over the borough council during the Olympic sailing events.

He said: "This is absolute nonsense. There is an Olympic Act that allows Locog to control branding and to ensure that the Olympic Route Network (London to Weymouth) is kept open.

"But the Olympic Delivery Authority has the responsibility of getting the Olympic family from A to Z. They have delegated their involvement to Dorset County Council's highways authority and there is no way they will do anything locally without consulting with them."

The council officer also quashed rumours that Locog officials would snub hotels in Weymouth for five-star accommodation in the Bournemouth area.

He said: "About 700 bedrooms have been booked in Weymouth and Portland. Some officials may have to be bused in, but not all."

A Locog spokeswoman confirmed no officials would be staying in Bournemouth.

She added: "We are working closely with the council to deliver a successful Games in Weymouth and Portland."

The Olympic sailing events will be held from 29 July to 11 August.