England are set to send their first group of athletes to India for the Commonwealth Games on Thursday despite concerns over safety and facilities in Delhi

William Hill (£25 free bet) on Wednesday cut their odds for the Commonwealth Games not to start as scheduled from to 3/1 (from 5/1) following the partial collapse of a roof at one of the buildings scheduled to be used at the Games.

The athletes' village in Delhi has also been criticised and branded as unfit for human habitation.

An elevated walkway at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed on Tuesday, leading to English athlete Phillips Idowu withdrawing from the games.

England are one of a number of countries seeking assurances from organisers in Delhi before fully committing athletes, but England chairman Sir Andrew Foster insists the team are "intent on going".

A statement from the England team read: "Our team in Delhi continues to prepare for the arrival of the first 22 athletes who leave on Thursday.

"Commonwealth Games England (CGE) continues to believe that the situation in Delhi is serious and we are monitoring this constantly with our chef de mission and our team in Delhi.

"The CGE continues to seek assurances from the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi that the village and venues are fit for purpose, are safe and that urgent action will be taken by the OC and the CGF to address the significant operational issues which exist."

Hills on Wednesday night offered 2/9 that they will go ahead on time, compared with original 1/9 odds.

Hills also offer 2/1 that one or more of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will officially pull out of the Games before their scheduled start date.

Following the collapse of the walkway at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Phillips Idowu wrote on his Twitter page: "Sorry people, but I have children to think about. My safety is more important to them than a medal.

"I understand people will be disappointed that I will not be competing. I am disappointed.

"If you know me as an athlete you will know these games mean a lot to me. It's the champs in which I won my first medal.

"All the press about bridges collapsing and 23+ people being hurt, floods and inhabitable living conditions, getting my daughter ready for school this morning and seeing all of that put me off. I can't afford to risk my safety in the slightest."

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