I am writing in response to a letter published in the Dorset Echo (‘Council failed to use opportunity’ by an unnamed author) on September 19.

I would like to point out the valuable role that the borough council played in making sure that these were safe, well managed and enjoyable Games and what we are doing to secure lasting benefits from the opportunity they presented.

This included hosting the successful UKTI Business Embassy events over the second week of Olympic Games, which welcomed more than 500 business people and potential investors.

We have had fantastic feedback from those companies and we will now be looking to further developing our relationships with them and helping them to forge links with local businesses.

This is with a view to enhancing business development, trade and potential export, inward investment , new economic development and jobs – particularly high quality jobs that we need for our young people.

With partners the council was central to organising and running the many outstanding and unique events in the borough.

These included the Olympic and Paralympic Flame events, managing the teams of ambassadors, the beach sports arena, which attracted more than 100,000 people, the ICCI Dome, and the beach live site which achieved capacity crowds on many occasions including the opening and closing ceremonies, Battle for the Winds climax and Ben Ainslie weekend.

I would like to assure your readers that in planning for and hosting the Games we have always had our eye on the long term potential for using them as a catalyst for raising the profile of business, tourism and economic regeneration well into the future.

Michael Goodman Chairman of Management Committee Weymouth & Portland Borough Council