Commonwealth Games security to cost 90 million pounds

Glasgow, July 16 (IANS) The security cost of the 2014 Commonwealth Games slated for July 23-August 3, has gone up to 90 million pounds, three times more than the original expected bill of 27.2 million pounds.

The Scottish government is contributing 37.7 million pounds more than originally planned, reports The Herald.

Some 1,100 soldiers will be deployed on the streets of Glasgow and spectators will face airport-style searches by uniformed personnel for possible explosive devices. These officials will be protecting some of the biggest names in sport like Jamaican runner Usain Bolt, cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins and Scottish track and field athlete Elidh Child.

A multi-agency operation, Project Servator, has been put in place following a seven-year plan. It will involve 17 private security firms, including G4S, a firm that had struggled to recruit enough staff for the London 2012 Olympics. There would also be 900 army staff and almost 300 each from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Steve Allen, security director for the Commonwealth Games, said that specialist armed officers are among the range of capabilities deployed in the safety and security operation.

The opening ceremony will take place at Celtic Park July 23 and final security preparations are under way.

Police Scotland are preparing to install a "ring of steel" around the venues in an attempt to prevent any potential terrorist attack. The security operation that is going on in the city is unprecedented.

A teams of officers were visible stationed at the top of buildings in the Athletes' Village in Dalmarnock. They were seen using binoculars to monitor movements around the secure community, where some 7,000 athletes and officials will be based.