Although the Olympic investment does enhance long-term trade, and serve as a vehicle for new local infrastructure, it also puts a strain on local taxpayers, who are understandably upset when new projects are delayed, or in some cases abandoned.

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Democrats are arguing that the budget would strain local governments.

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In some areas, the newcomers strain local services.

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Refinancing these is becoming harder and putting strain on local banks and credit availability.

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It has put some local authorities under real strain.

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The ability to share programmes lessened the strain on local resources and, by the time additional stations were launched in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee, listeners were enjoying a significant amount of programming relayed from London.

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But many local people say the surge in foreigners in recent years has already put a strain on the small, wealthy island state's resources, and has pushed down salaries while raising property prices.

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Local interest rates would then rise to punitive levels, banks would come under intolerable strain, and the link between the American dollar and Hong Kong's dollar would be in jeopardy.

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