COMMUNITY groups in Felixstowe are backing to a bid to bring the Olympic torch to the resort - despite town councillors' concerns over terrorism.However, there is a fear the town may have missed the opportunity because of the delay in securing the council's approval.

COMMUNITY groups in Felixstowe are backing to a bid to bring the Olympic torch to the resort - despite town councillors' concerns over terrorism.

However, there is a fear the town may have missed the opportunity because of the delay in securing the council's approval.

Sports groups at the resort have been working for many months to try to get the seaside town on the Olympic flame relay in the run-up to the 2012 London games.

Michael Sharman, chairman of Felixstowe and District Council for Sport and Recreation, which represents 3,800 sports players, said it “unanimously and wholeheartedly” supported any application to bring the torch.

“It totally believes that the opportunity to see the iconic flame would be very much welcomed by residents and visitors of all ages as a once in a lifetime experience,” he said.

Cavendish Park Community Association also warmly welcomed the chance to have the flame and felt it would be “an unforgettable spectacle for residents and tourists of all ages”.

Chairman Barry Farr said: “The association calls upon Suffolk Coastal to give its full support and to work towards a successful outcome which would benefit the whole community.”

Town and district councillor Mike Ninnmey said: “Sadly, the delay now because of this so-called terrorism threat to our small seaside town will probably scupper any bid and the months of background work by the sports groups.”

The terrorism worry was voiced by former mayor Andy Smith who felt security would be a vast undertaking with the flame a potential target for groups wanting to cause mayhem.

“There is big potential for terrorism and disruption associated with these events and I think we should beware of having anything to do with it,” he said.

Town clerk Susan Robinson has been asked to find out more about security.

Suffolk Coastal cabinet member Mary Neale said the council was “very supportive” of any town wanting to be involved with the Olympic activities.

Would you be worried about attending one of the torch events? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk