HERITAGE Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas has only made one phone call to organisers of the London Olympics since he took office last July, Welsh Conservatives have learned.

And it will take him nine months to meet Lord Coe and his team to discuss the role of Wales in the 2012 games, the party can reveal today.

The minister is also not due to meet the chair and chief executive of the London Organising Committee LOCOG until the end of June, almost a year after he took office.

Welsh Conservatives have condemned the apparent lack of interest or urgency from the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government in maximising the benefits for Wales of the event in four years time.

Shadow Heritage Minister Paul Davies AM and Opposition Leader Nick Bourne AM met Lord Coe and his team last October.

The 2012 team briefed the Welsh Conservative AMs on preparations for the game, while there were also discussions about what role Wales can play in four years' time.

The lack of ministerial engagement with the 2012 team emerged after 31 Welsh sites were put forward yesterday as potential training venues for countries competing in the Olympics and Paralympics.

Facilities include the National Pool in Swansea, Wrexham's Queensway Stadium, the National Whitewater Centre in Bala, and Pwllhelli Sailing Club.

Only yesterday the minister said he wanted "to remind everyone about ... what we have to offer here in Wales".

Welsh Conservatives have consistently criticised the Assembly Government for lack of action over the 2012 Olympics.

Shadow Heritage Minister and Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies said:

"I am astonished by the complacent attitude taken by the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"One phone call in nine months is frankly pathetic. The Assembly Government needs to be taking a lead in ensuring Wales takes full benefit from the 2012 games.

"Ministers should be working with Olympics organisers now. Every nation and region of Britain wants to play a role in the 2012 games.

"Wales should be forcing its way to the front of that race. There are no prizes for being a runner-up in this event.

"Welsh Conservatives took the earliest opportunity to speak to Lord Coe and his team, arguing the case for Wales.

"We would be happy to talk to Rhodri Glyn Thomas to ensure he is up to speed with current developments."