We have reason locally to be proud of our national team – 19-year-old Eye gymnast Louis Smith has proved himself not only to be a dedicated and talented athlete, but will give inspiration to Peterborough children and young people that, with application and determination (and of course support from others), they, too, can follow their dreams.

The unprecedented medal haul prompts a bigger debate on sport funding. I do think that we need to put more money into competitive school sports, and we should use monies from the National Lottery for this purpose – as it was envisaged by John Major in 1994 – rather than propping up spending in other areas which should be funded already by the Treasury.

In Peterborough, we have some problems with anti-social behaviour, childhood obesity and other health issues.

An expansion of grassroots team sports and sports facilities would help tackle these seemingly endemic curses and, more generally, child poverty and under achievement.

There is a thriving sports community ready to accept the challenge.

The City of Peterborough Swimming Club is a great example of an organisation which would benefit from better facilities, for instance.

The exciting plans for the redevelopment of the Embankment over the next few years, include a sports village – and hopefully that means an Olympic-standard 50m pool.

If it's good enough for Norwich and Corby, why not Peterborough?

They say that politics is all about giving the people bread and circuses. Now the circus has moved on, for the moment, we have to focus on the bread. Times are tough at the moment with the credit crunch and rising food and fuel bills, and they probably will be over the next couple of years.

However, the Olympics have been a (temporary) diversion from harsh reality, and this new Olympic spirit is a springboard for future generations to achieve everything they can for themselves, their local community and our country.