LGA in Olympic talks

The prime minister has recognised councils' role in the London 2012 Olympic Games by making the Local Government Association the only non-sports body invited to a Downing Street meeting on the event's legacy.

"Gordon Brown made it clear he valued our presence and saw councils as important players," said Chris White (Lib Dem), LGA culture, tourism and sport board chair. "I can't complain about the recognition we're getting."

The event launched the legacy action plan and a £140m government fund to enable councils to allow elderly people free use of 1,600 swimming pools.

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said she hoped this would be extended to all swimmers by 2012.

Cllr White said: "The free swimming is funded but not indefinitely, and we need to be clear about the long term. We do not want a few years on to have to tell people swimming is not free."

He said there had been inconclusive talks on an accompanying capital fund. New pools are not costly enough to fund using the private finance initiative.

Ms Jowell also launched 'inspire', an Olympic brand that can be used by councils and other non-commercial bodies for approved projects associated with the games. Olympic logos are normally available only to commercial sponsors.