LIVERPOOL'S Capital of Culture year in 2008 can act as the "starting gun" for the Olympic Games won so dramatically by London yesterday, city leaders said last night.
But while the majority said they were thrilled at the capital's win, there was also some concern that Liverpool could be left with "the crumbs from the table" as fears grew of public funds being siphoned off to pay for the sporting extravaganza.
Hundreds of millions of pounds will be pumped into the 2012 Games, the majority from new Lottery games and London taxpayers.
But Sir Bob Scott, who led both Manchester's bids for the 1996 and 2000 Olympics and Liverpool's Capital of Culture win, said the distribution of other public funds would have to be closely watched.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted. I don't think there is any fear of Capital of Culture in 2008 being overshadowed by the Olympic year in 2012. We need to join up.
"It may make things difficult in terms of public funds but, equally, it might actually help the arguments - if you're going to put all this money into London, you've got to support us as well. We are all going to have to watch this like hawks."
The city has been firmly behind London's bid and the Liverpool Culture Company has enjoyed a number of visits from members of the London bid team to share ideas.
A Culture Company spokesman said: '"Liverpool is absolutely delighted that London has been successful in its bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012.
"With Liverpool as European Capital of Culture in 2008, and now London as the Olympic city in 2012, two great cities will demonstrate to the world what Britain has to offer in terms of sporting and cultural participation and achievement.
"2008 will be the starting gun for 2012, as the cultural Olympiad helps pave the way for the sporting Olympics four years later."
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