London Olympics: Security firm G4S won’t work at Olympic Stadium

The security firm G4S won’t provide protection at the Olympic Stadium because of concerns about the company’s shortfall in recruiting guards.

Steven Savage, director of London 2012 operations for the Newcastle City Council, said Monday the council had decided to replace G4S. Local firms will instead provide up to 500 security personnel.

“We think all in all this is an excellent solution to the issue,” Savage told the Associated Press. “It’s a locally managed stadium with money going into the local economy for local people.”

The announcement came shortly after Prime Minister David Cameron chaired a meeting of the British government’s crisis committee to discuss final preparations for an Olympic Games beset by late security troubles and the threat of transit-related strikes.

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