London's streets and tourist areas need investment to protect capital's image in 2012 

London would be 'letting itself down badly' in front of the rest of the world at the 2012 Games if money to improve the appearance of the capital's main streets and tourist areas is not invested now.

This warning was issued today (Thursday) by the Chairman of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, Cllr Daniel Moylan, in a speech at the Annual Quality Streetscape Conference.

Cllr Moylan called on the Mayor of London and the London Olympic Delivery Authority to support the boroughs in enhancing major tourist areas like Parliament Square, Piccadilly, Exhibition Road, Regent Street and Greenwich Town Centre before the 2012 Games open.

He said that if they failed to do so it would prevent London presenting itself properly to the rest of the world during the Games.