Thousands expected to see Olympic Torch in Ironbridge Gorge
Thousands of people are expected to descend on the Ironbridge Gorge tomorrow to see the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
Telford & Wrekin Council are advising visitors to use a new park and ride service which will be free for the day following the closure of a number of car parks in the Ironbridge Gorge for the event. A number of main roads in Ironbridge will also be closed from 10am to prepare for the festivities.
From midday to help people see the London 2012 Torch, Telford & Wrekin Council is running a free bus service from the new Jiggers Bank park and ride site off the Ironbridge Bypass (A4169) near to Jiggers Bank Roundabout.
Buses to the Gorge will run every 12 minutes until 16:48 hrs when the last bus will leave the Gorge returning to the park and ride site.
The park and ride service is opening specially for the Torch’s visit ahead of its formal opening on June 2. In addition, a designated taxi pick up point will be at the Museum of the Gorge.
The Olympic Flame will travel over the famous Iron Bridge and through the World Heritage site just after 3pm. Access over the Iron Bridge will also be restricted from 1pm until after the relay has passed through.
The Council, the south Telford community and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust have organised a host of activities to mark the occasion and create a party atmosphere in the Gorge.
The torch will greeted by Telford & Wrekin’s mayor Kevin Guy and MP David Wright, a peal of bells from St Luke's Church, performances by the Abraham Darby Academy and Phoenix School Steel Band and Street dance group, The Ironmen and Severn Gilders Morris Men. There will also be. a flotilla of cruisers, river boats and coracles on the River Severn and entertainment along The Wharfage.
Council leader Kuldip Sahota said: "Seeing the crowds so far on the Torch’s route I am sure Ironbridge will be packed with people, media and well wishers wanting to see the Torch in one of the most iconic locations on its journey.
“We advise people to arrive early and use the Park and Ride for what should be a fantastic and truly memorable day."
More details on the London 2012 Torch Relay and its route through the borough can be seen at www.telford.gov.uk/london2012torch. You can also keep up to date with torch relay in the borough on Twitter by using #telfordtorch
