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Team Scotland want 'urgent action' after delaying plans

The Delhi Organising Committee faces a tight deadline to get things right for the Commonwealth Games © Getty Images

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Team Scotland have called for 'urgent action' from the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Delhi Organising Committee after they delayed their plans to arrive in Delhi.

Scotland's first party of athletes had been scheduled to fly out on Thursday, but they altered their plans following news of a collapsed bridge close to the main stadium. Games organisers have suffered further problems 24 hours later, with reports of another hazardous incident at the weightlifting arena.

Adding to the concerns of Team Scotland are reports of a sub-standard athletes' village, described as 'filthy', and CGS chairman Michael Cavanagh insists he will give Delhi organisers time to sort out the problems.

"By delaying the arrival of our athletes by a few days, we hope to give the Delhi 2010 Organising Committee the necessary time to address the concerns that have been raised by both the Commonwealth Games Federation and the countries which arrived early," stated Cavanagh.

"We have discussed this with the sports involved and are in agreement that this is the best course of action under the circumstances. Whilst this is an untimely alteration to their plans, it will ultimately cause less disruption to their final training and preparation than if they were to arrive in the Games Village which is not yet fit for purpose and fully functional.

"Scotland is hugely committed to the Commonwealth Games. Our team on the ground will continue to monitor the situation. However, we will not compromise on areas of athlete health, safety and security. We need urgent action from the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Delhi Organising Committee to address these crucial issues."

Meanwhile, Team Wales have set a deadline of midnight on Wednesday for organisers to prove facilities are fit for purpose. Chris Jenkins, the team's chef de mission, had previously stated that they would uphold plans to arrive in Delhi on Saturday.

"We are confident that we'll be ready to receive athletes from September 25 onwards and that the accommodation for Team Wales will be suitable and comfortable for their stay in Delhi," Jenkins said on Tuesday.

"Security here is impressive and we're looking forward to getting the Games under way. The first athletes are due to arrive in Delhi on September 25. There have been no alterations to these plans."

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