Olympic organisers have said that a multi-million pound sports hall and track unveiled in the borough only months ago has been used by some of the world’s top athletes.

Before the Games started, it was estimated that more than 800 sportsmen and women would train at Mayesbrook Park athletics track and its �11million sports hall, SportHouse, during the course of the Games.

The Olympic Delivery Authority poured millions of pounds into the 5,000m2 sports hall and specially designed gym that includes equipment which can be used by disabled members. The athletics track was also resurfaced.

A Locog spokesman said: “Usage will have increased from the weekend with the athletics events underway. Both facilities were used by the community prior to Games-time training and have been well received.”

But one resident, who lives nearby, said it seemed that few athletes had showed up.

Shuttle buses running between the Olympic Park and the venue in Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, have been mostly empty, he said.

Paul Moore, 61, of Lodge Avenue, explained: “I’ve seen three or four javelin throwers and a few doing shot put. Including runners, I don’t think I’ve seen more than 20.”

Olympic bosses said they had to give access to training facilities all day, adding they reviewed security arrangements and that SportHouse would provide a “fantastic legacy”.