Legacy fears over Bisley as 2012 venue for shooting

OLYMPICS chiefs have raised concerns that the national shooting centre at Bisley could become a white elephant if chosen as a Games venue.

A letter seen by the Standard shows that legacy fears could stop the Surrey site replacing Woolwich as the shooting venue.

Bisley is back on the agenda after the cost of converting the Royal Artillery barracks at Woolwich doubled to £42million over the price of securing the site for shotgun events. Backers of a move to Bisley, which was the original venue in the 2012 bid, say it can be converted for £28million to £30million.

Shooting groups have backed Bisley as it would leave the sport with a venue, unlike the planned temporary ranges at Woolwich.

However David Higgins, chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, wants reassurance the site near Woking could pay its way after the Games. The letter to the owners of Bisley says: "We would look to the [regional development authority] to provide lasting capital funding to support a legacy."

An ODA spokesman said no final decisions had been taken.