Olympic sites to be inspected

Inspectors are beginning a three-day examination of London's plans for the 2012 Olympics.

The 16-strong International Olympic Committee's co-ordination commission is being updated on progress since the last official visit in April last year.

Organisers are hoping last week's furore over the graffiti-styled London 2012 logo, hated by thousands, has died down.

More than 30,000 people signed a petition against the £400,000 image, calling for the logo to be axed. The logo is set to be at the heart of money-spinning marketing and sponsorship schemes to help stage the Games.

Then London 2012 was forced to pull a promotional video amid claims it had triggered epileptic seizures in some people.

Speculation over the spiralling Olympic budget were answered with the announcement that building and regeneration costs had trebled to £9.3bn.

It had been triggered by the resignation of Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) chairman Jack Lemley who also claimed political meddling was hindering the scheme. John Armitt, the outgoing Network Rail chief executive, is taking over as the ODA chairman.

London 2012 will be keen to stress it has made an early start on preparations and is determined to control construction costs in its bid to bring the Games in on time and on budget.