IOC check Games preparations and marathon route change

A three day inspection of venues and preparations for the 2012 Games in London had began by IOC.

IOC will going to review ticket pricing scheme and the change of the marathon route from east London to the Mall in central London.

Inspectors would want an update on the "unhappiness in the East End", a member of the IOC executive board said.

Tower Hamlets council is seeking a judicial review of the change of route.

The original marathon route through Tower Hamlets and the East End to central London announced by the London 2012 organizers.

The new route will cover Buckingham Palace, Birdcage Walk, St Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.

This changed was not appreciated by east London councils but London 2012 said the decision was made for operational reasons and it was "fair and legal".

The IOC has twice visit so far this year to the Olympic Park site in Stratford and also look at the security, marketing and plans for test events due to begin in 2011.About 75% of the construction at the Olympic Park in Stratford is complete.

John Armitt, chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, said: "This year is the toughest in terms of construction and we are at our busiest.

"We will enter 2011 with the confidence that more than three quarters of the construction project is complete and that all milestones to date have been achieved."

Sir Craig Reedie, who sits on the IOC's executive board, said: "In general they [inspectors] are very happy with London's preparations - now they will be wanting the organising committee to move on as quickly as possible with anything outstanding.

"They will want satisfaction that the changes to the marathon route are in place, and to know what is happening in relation to councils' unhappiness in the East End."

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said: "Over the next year, we look forward to seeing the changing London skyline as the Park vision becomes a reality."

Olympics minister Hugh Robertson said: "Good progress has been made on the Olympic Park this year with the main stadia looking fantastic as we approach completion."