MANY people believe that the traffic chaos affecting Weymouth and Portland could outweigh any benefits the Olympics may bring.

Residents made their views clear at four walk-in sessions where members of the public could discuss the up and coming Olympic Sailing events of 2012.

Organisers from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council admitted that those who felt negatively about the events were mainly concerned about the current traffic chaos in Weymouth.

At the drop-in sessions people were able to speak to representatives from organisations including the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games), Dorset Police, Team Dorset, Weymouth College and Spirit of the Sea.

Two sessions were held on Portland on Tuesday at The Heights Hotel and two sessions were held yesterday at the Weymouth Pavilion.

Hundreds of people attended the sessions.

Gareth Jones, economic and business development officer from the borough council, said the attitude towards the Olympics remains diverse.

He said: “The response has been mixed. We have had some very positive responses and most of the negative responses come from frustration with the current traffic delays.

“People have lost sight of the long term benefits of holding the games here, with the short term inconvenience of having traffic works.”

Jeremy Potterton, 44, of Wyke Regis, was at the session in Weymouth.

He said: “It is nice to have the Olympics here but not when you bear in mind the process it is taking to get it here.

“It makes you doubt whether Weymouth was ever a suitable venue.”

Mark Shearer from Preston said: “The traffic chaos will drive people away. Visitors simply won’t come back.

“This crazy disruption is all for two weeks of sailing that few people will see. It is hardly a spectator sport.”

Portland resident Holly Henderson, 31, was more positive about the Olympics.

She said: “I think it is absolutely fantastic and I am really excited.

“Even for those who aren’t interested in the water, having this come to Weymouth and Portland is really inspiring.”

A spokesman for LOCOG added: “It will give a long-term benefit to the area by hosting such a high profile event.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council will be briefing companies at the Open 4 Business festival about how the 2012 games will effect businesses.