Commonwealth Games given the green-light after all venues pass safety checks

Fears that some events at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi would have to be cancelled have been allayed after safety certificates for all venues were finally issued last night - less than four weeks before the start of the Games.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has today written to all countries competing in next month's event assuring them that all the documentation is now in place.

There had been safety concerns after a report in July by India's Central Vigilance Commission anti-corruption watchdog that there had been a number of suspect building practices used at Games' venues with substandard materials used.

CGF chief executive Mike Hooper said: 'We were very concerned because of what was in that the report which was why we needed those safety certificates to provide us with reassurances that the venues complied with all the requirements and were fit for purpose.

'I finally got the occupancy certificates, as they are called in India, for all the venues and Games Village from the organising committee last night and we can now focus with getting the overlay in place for the Games.'

Athletes are expected to start to arrive at the Games Village in New Delhi from September 20 ahead of the 12-day event which runs from October 3 to 14.