There’s not long to go before the Olympic Torch is due to pass through the Lancaster district – and local people are being urged to plan ahead to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Torch will be passing through the Lancaster district on 22nd June, starting from Carnforth at approximately 9.47am. It then moves on the Bolton-le-Sands, Hest Bank, Morecambe and Lancaster.
To make sure the Olympic Torch Relay can pass safely through the district, the police will be implementing rolling road closures along the route to allow the torch and its convoy to pass safely.
A large number of people are expected to see the relay and this will also increase the volume of traffic on the roads. Experience from other towns and cities that have already hosted the Torch Relay suggest it is likely to be very busy, with thousands of people lining the route.
Anyone expecting to watch the relay as it passes through the district is advised to plan ahead and turn up early, using public transport if possible to minimise the number of cars on the roads.
Specially designated school viewing areas have been set aside so that the children and their teachers provide colour, atmosphere and support for all the Torchbearers through our district.
With the torch travelling more than 12 miles through the district there should be plenty of space for everyone to watch safely.
“The Olympic Torch Relay is going to be something that most of us will never again experience,” says Coun Ron Sands, Cabinet member for tourism. “To make the most of the relay it’s vitally important that people plan ahead and decide where they want to watch the Olympic Flame so they don’t miss out.
“We’re expecting more than 15, 500 schoolchildren to watch the relay and this is part of the legacy of the event, getting young people excited in sport and take that on for the future,” he added. “By turning up early people can find an alternative spot if their first choice is taken and avoid missing out.
“Even if you’re not planning to come out and watch it there will be disruption to traffic along the route so I’d urge people to keep an eye on the council’s website for more details.”
• More details are available at www.lancaster.gov.uk/london2012. The city council will also be tweeting throughout the day, so make sure you follow @lancastercc for up to date information.