Responses from key leaders across the east London community to West Ham winning the rights to the Olympic Stadium.

A HOST of figures from across east London and sport in general have responded to the news that the OPLC favours West Ham to take over the Olympic Stadium.

Here is a selection:

Karren Brady, Vice Chairman of West Ham United: “Today is a momentous day. I would like to thank the Olympic Park Legacy Company for making us preferred bidder and acknowledge everyone involved in what has been a truly professional process.

“I would also like to recognise the significant contribution of Newham Council, who have shared in our exciting vision from day one, and thank our supporters for trusting in us to take West Ham United to a new level.

“We are proud to have been passed the Olympic torch and fully embrace the responsibility we have for keeping the flame alive.

Professor Patrick McGhee, Vice Chancellor of the University of East London: “This is a great decision for the people of east London and we now have the opportunity to deliver a wonderful legacy in line with the pledges given in Singapore in 2005. It is our intention to embrace this fantastic chance to develop education, and both community and elite sport, for all our local students and for east Londoners generally.”

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham: “We are delighted by the announcement. We think this decision is the right one and the nation will be the biggest winner.

“We are pleased the OPLC has recognised our bid. London won the right to host the Olympics by making a promise to leave a lasting legacy, not just for us and our children but for future generations. It will inspire people in Newham and beyond.”

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London when the bid was won: “In 2005 we made clear commitments about the sporting, economic and social legacy of the Olympics in order to win the right to host the 2012 Games.

“Today’s decision will ensure we fulfil the promises we made to the IOC and to Londoners, that the capital will retain a world class athletics stadium at the Olympic Park which will inspire and engage future generations of Londoners.”