Olympic Torch Relay route through Grays announced (From Thurrock Gazette)

Olympic Torch Relay route through Grays announced

7:30am Monday 19th March 2012 in News

Cllr John Kent looks ahead to the Olympic torch procession

ANOTHER thread in the rich tapestry of Thurrock’s History will be woven on Friday, July 6.

At 4.59pm the Olympic Torch Relay will arrive at Lodge Lane in Grays, and make its way through the town in celebration of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

It will travel to Piggs Corner, turning onto Southend Road, before heading towards the town centre at Palmer’s Avenue, along Orsett Road and London Road, finishing in Hogg Lane.

The torch route was announced by the London organising committee this morning.

Thurrock Council leader John Kent was thrilled the details of the route have been revealed.

He said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, something we should all, young and old, be ready to store in our memories, a chance for the borough to shine.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to start releasing details and now we have reached this stage it makes the celebrations seem even more real and now we want top engage with the whole community to plan for the day.”

Thurrock Council has urged residents to plan in advance for the momentous event, which will effect access to certain areas, and will include road closures.

The council has written to residents and businesses in the Grays area, inviting them to one of four question and answer sessions at the Thameside Theatre, in Orsett Road.

The sessions are on Tuesday April 3, at 6pm, Wednesday April 4, at 7pm, Tuesday April 10, at 6pm, and Wednesday April 11, at 2pm.

Cllr Lynn Worrall, the authority’s cabinet member for culture, said: “This is an amazing year for our nation and we are tremendously honoured and proud to be part of the Olympic celebrations.

“We want people to come to town, to line the route, to cheer the Flame’s passing, so as many Thurrock people can join the fun as possible in an afternoon of celebration for the whole borough.”

Road closures along the route will start at 2pm and the streets will re-open to traffic as soon as possible after the relay has passed.

Cllr Val Morris-Cook, the cabinet member responsible for car parking, announced parking will be free in all council owned car parks on the day.

She said: “We know this will cause some disruption, but we are working hard to minimise the effects.

“Car parking in Grays will be free on the day. All council-controlled car parks will not be charging.”

Any questions about the relay can be emailed to torchrelay@thurrock.gov.uk.

For more information, go online to http://www.thurrock.gov.uk/celebrate/.