Homeowners urged to cash in by renting out during Olympics

Homeowners in Windsor could be seeing pound signs when the Olympic Games arrive by raking in up to £20,000 each month for letting their houses to visitors.

They have been finding leaflets on their mats offering them the chance to take advantage when the world games arrive on their doorstep.

The key period comes between August and Setpember 2012, when the Olympic rowing takes place at nearby Dorney Lake.

Normal hotels and bed and breakfasts charge about £70 a night. But the leaflet, which has been circulated by Dorney-based company Lakelets, which has set up a professional house letting and renting service dedicated to the Olympics, advises that homeowners could expect to double that in 2012.

Cllr Fido, who represents the Clewer North ward of the Royal Borough is among those to receive a leaflet. He will not be taking up the offer but said; "It is a big carrot to dangle and looks very tempting. But people need to think carefully and be aware of the risks to opening your home to people you dont know."

Managing director of Lakelets, former Bucks County councillor Peter Smith, who lives in Dorney, said: "I have studied a small town in Australia called Penrith that found itself exactly in this position when Australia hosted the Olympics and they are still basking in it all these years later."