I feel there are regrettable misconceptions with regards to the 2012 Games and, as the days pass, exaggerations continue to distort the real truth.

Whatever we may feel about the transport package, £16million is a substantial amount of investment and Weymouth & Portland should reap the benefits far beyond 2012.

Evidently a story is going around that as soon as the games have passed, everything will revert back but, of course, this isn’t the case.

The roadworks – and the new Weymouth bypass (a mighty £84m improvement investment) – may well have been made possible because of the Games; but the anticipated advantages are here forever.

And we need to remember that it is essential gas renewals that are adding to the road chaos in Weymouth (I like the frustrating delays no more than anyone does) so we must be careful not to apportion blame to the 2012 Games.

Maybe an official progress report and reassurance from the various authorities would be useful at this juncture, reminding people of the facts in order to dispel any misconception.

I’ve also heard it said that the Games will not bring any benefit to the area. Not true.

This week in Weymouth and Portland there are 700 Sailing event competitors (plus supporters).

I know for a fact that eateries are benefiting from a very welcome boost in customers and takings.

This also occurred last year, will do so next year, will certainly be the case in 2012 and who knows what ‘the legacy of the Games’ will bring in the years after that.

I’ve always had the opinion that any legacy begins now, and be in no doubt that the legacy belongs only to those who deserve it.

Currently, it is the eateries that offer good welcome, good food and good service that are getting lucrative bookings from visiting customers.

This is also the case with accommodation providers who are not taking advantage by giving poor quality and unrealistic charging.

Quality shops will be doing useful business and souvenirs from Weymouth & Portland will be making their way around the world.

Cruise ships are visiting and these wouldn’t be here without the major developments at Portland including, of course, the much-acclaimed and globally-publicised National Sailing Academy.

And while I’m on the subject of visitors, how reassuring it is to see the large number of foreign students who continue to make their summer home here in Weymouth and Portland.

I do hope we are all doing our bit in giving a warm welcome to all our much needed visitors.

The potential benefits of the 2012 Games have begun.

It’s up to us to capitalise from here-on-in so that the talked-about legacy becomes a reality.

Dave Johnston, Weymouth