Olympic torch cost to council

Have just read a FOI request has revealed the Olympic torch coming through Rochdale and Heywood cost RMBC £53,890!

The Olympic torch route was eight thousand miles around the UK. If that's a fairly average cost for a few miles, it must have cost altogether, quite a lot.

Far more than they will ever really admit. However it isn't about cost. It's about raising profiles, re-generation and big bucks for the selected few. It's not for you or me as individuals but for the 'state'. Has it done any good. Well - it's better than lobbing bombs about I suppose.

...a spokesman for Rochdale Borough Council said: “It was a once-in-a-generation experience.”

http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/127/council-watch/80427/olympic-torch-cost-rochdale-53000

I'm sure all those who have lost their jobs because the council cannot stick to emptying bins and looking after the elderly and instead continue to fritter fifty odd thousand on unnecessary things like this and fifteen grand stupid light fittings and another five grand plus on a piece of 'art', will be delighted at the generational experience - not!

To whom did RMBC pay £53,890? Would some of it go to the police for looking after the event?

Oh yes, a bit vague as these things usually are.