THE new 2012 Olympic logo was unveiled last week to a torrent of criticism. The new design has left many people baffled by the thinking behind the new design and the £400,000 cost, but Lord Coe is adamant that it puts across the image and message that he

THE new 2012 Olympic logo was unveiled last week to a torrent of criticism.

The new design has left many people baffled by the thinking behind the new design and the £400,000 cost, but Lord Coe is adamant that it puts across the image and message that he wanted the London Games to deliver to the world.

Reporter ADAM LAZZARI went out to see what people in Ely think.

Viela Stanton, from Ely.

"I don't think much of it at all. There's too much going on and it just looks a mess. There should be an image of an athlete on the design and something to highlight London."

Fiona Lonsdale, from Ely.

"I'm really looking forward to the Olympics, but I don't know if we can afford it - we've gone well over budget and this logo is so expensive. It's just very messy and I don't like it at all."

Terry Payne, 50, from Chelmsford.

"It's definitely not to my taste. I can't see what it's all about and it costs far too much. I've never been for the London Olympics. I just don't think London is a civilized enough place to welcome so many people from all over the world. And I should know; I lived there for a long time."

Mark Champion, 73, from Ely.

"It doesn't look too bad. It's fresh and new and it looks quite nice. I like the bright colours, it's jazzy and different.

"A lot of people are getting very hot under the collar about the Olympics but I'm looking forward to it. I'll watch most of it on the television but won't be able to afford to go down to see any live events."

Anthony Hines, 64, from Ely.

"I saw the logo on TV the other day - it's quite nice and I like the colours.

"I'm not that into Olympic sports; I'm more of a football man myself, but I like watching the bobsleigh at the winter Olympics."

Patricia Hines, 59, from Ely.

"I don't like it. It's okay for young people, but not the elderly.

"I'm not too bothered about the Olympics. I'll watch a bit of boxing and I'll watch to see how Goldie Sayers gets on."

Ulla Barlow, from London.

"It's utter rubbish. It's just a jagged mess. It's too expensive and the design is terrible. The symbol suggests disharmony rather than harmony and doesn't say let's get together and have a good time.