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England to fly to Commonwealths on Thursday

Andy Turner will definitely fly out on October 4 © Getty Images

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The first part of England's Commonwealth Games team will fly to Delhi on Thursday, despite concerns surrounding the state of the event's facilities.

A collapsed bridge near the main stadium on Tuesday has been followed by a fallen ceiling at the weightlifting arena on Wednesday. The Athletes' Village is also said to be in a 'filthy' state just 11 days before the Games begin.

Defending triple jump champion Phillips Idowu has already pulled out of the event due to safety fears, and the Scotland team have postponed their plans to fly out until they receive further proof that the facilities are 'fit for the purpose'.

However, England have confirmed the first part of their squad, including hockey and bowls players, will fly out on Thursday.

A statement from CGE said: "England continues to confirm its participation in the Commonwealth Games. CGE continues to believe that the situation in Delhi is serious and we are monitoring this constantly with our chef de mission and our team in Delhi.

"Our team on the ground in Delhi, led by chef de mission Craig Hunter, continues to prepare for the arrival of the first 22 athletes from lawn bowls and men's hockey who will leave the UK for Delhi tomorrow evening. We are acutely aware that there is a small window for action and the board of CGE has met today in London to discuss this.

"Members of the board will also be liaising with Government to ensure that we have confidence that the venues and village in Delhi are structurally sound, safe and fit for purpose before the athletes arrive."

Commonwealth Games England president Dame Kelly Holmes insists things cannot be as bad as the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

"I compare it to the Athens Olympics when they were still planting trees on the day it opened. I don't think it can get any worse than that," Holmes was quoted as saying by The Times.

European 110 metres hurdles champion Andy Turner added on BBC Radio Five Live: "I'll be going. I'm looking forward to it.

"Obviously I've had my concerns - the things in the press about the village and the bridge collapsing - but for me it's a chance to further my athletics career so I'm going to take every opportunity I get.

"I've literally just heard what everybody else has heard. I'm confident that by the time I get out there - I don't even get to Delhi until October 4 - I'm confident by that time everything's going to be absolutely fine."

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