We can’t squander sporting success

THE Commonwealth Games were a resounding success for international sport.

Athletes from around the world descended on Glasgow – and Scotland put on a show which continues to draw them back.

But it was never supposed to be a one-off. Part of the deal was to leave a lasting legacy for sport, for health and for standards of living.

A report into its impact, published four years on, shows there is a lot of work to do – especially for health.

In Glasgow’s east end, a before-and-after survey suggests people did more physical activity before the Games.

We’re told there’s been no “step change” in activity since Scotland cheered on our sporting stars.

There is no doubt that regeneration has lifted some out of poor housing.

Fantastic amounts of money were spent breathing new life into parts of a city that continues to suffer the tail end of industrial decline.

The facilities that now grace Glasgow are a tremendous asset – but they must be accessible to all.

Today’s report raises the alarm about the future. Where’s the noticeable boost for long-term employment? How can big promises be kept while austerity takes chunks out of council spending?

It is vital that all that hard work is not squandered. That’s a legacy no government wants on its record.