£46,000-a-year Olympic role for county not hosting events

Ed Harris12 April 2012

A council is recruiting a £46,000- a-year Olympics co-ordinator even though it is not hosting any of the events.

Surrey county council said the employee, who will be given a three-year contract, will be asked to ensure "the Surrey 2012 programme has maximum impact".

The council had hoped Bisley would host the shooting event but Olympic organisers decided to hold the event in Woolwich.

The new job was described as a waste of taxpayers' money by campaigners.

In the job advert, bosses say they want someone who will create an Olympic legacy for the county: "The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance. We are looking for someone who will help Surrey's residents and businesses gain from this unique opportunity."

The county is expected to provide facilities for a number of athletes competing in the Games.

Matthew Elliott, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "This job smacks of gimmickry by the council."

A council spokesman said the co-ordinator will be seeking Olympics-related contracts.

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