Police warning over Olympic funds

Police in Dorset claim the government is "dithering" on its commitment to release extra funds for policing the Olympic games in the region.

Sailing events in Portland and Weymouth as part of the 2012 event will leave a local bill of £21m, the force claim.

The Dorset Police Federation said it was still waiting for news on any extra money, forcing plans to be put on hold.

But the government said it has set aside £600m for policing the games which any force can bid for.

Police forces affected by the games estimate they will need an extra 15,000 officers to cope.

Clive Chamberlain, of the Dorset Police Federation, said: "The issue is we don't know if we're getting any money and, if we are, how much when it comes.

"It somewhat stifles the opportunity to move ahead because of the dithering of the government."

Mr Chamberlain added that internal advertising for people to work at the events had been put on hold because of the money row.

The Home Office said £600m had been allocated for Olympic funding of police activities but the total sum and the timescale of allocation was under continuous review.