Disruption expected as Olympic Torch Relay passes through the Borders
Ally McGilvray • Published 13 Jun 2012 15:30
0 Comments
Share this
click to enlarge
This car was spotted next to one of the signs at the side of the A7 between Galashiels and Selkirk, just off old Abbotsford Road.
DISRUPTION is expected as the Olympic Torch Relay passes through the Borders this week.
A temporary series of rolling road closures will be in place as the torch convoy, which is made up of 170 vehicles, moves round the region.
Scottish Borders Council has put up signs advising motorists not to park on the route or block identified emergency exits on Thursday, June 14, between 8am and 5pm.
The authority has warned any vehicles not moved will be towed away by the police in advance of the torch arriving.
Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed bin collections in Selkirk and Peebles will be affected. Residents are asked to put out their bins by 7am sharp or on the evening before. Collection crews will clear the relay route between 7am and 7.30am.
A spokesman for the local authority said: "In order to allow the Olympic Torch convoy to travel through the Borders and keep to its tightly timed schedule, a temporary rolling road closure will be in place in the communities where torch bearers will be carrying the Olympic Flame.
"Disruption to traffic will be kept to a minimum but members of the public are advised to be aware that there will be delays along the torch route on June 14.
"Travellers are advised to avoid the route for non-essential travel where possible."
But thespokesman added: "Arrangements are, of course, in place to allow the passage of any emergency vehicles such as ambulances."
The full convoy travelling with the Olympic Torch is made up of 170 different vehicles. Some vehicles are part of the Torch convoy itself, while others provide back-up, security and entertainment along the route.
The council spokesperson added: "There may be a delay of up to 15 minutes from the departure of the Advance Activation Vehicles before the start of the torch bearer convoy proper and spectators are advised to be patient and not leave as they may miss the torch's arrival."
The torch relay is scheduled to pass through the following towns on Thursday, June 14, at the stated times - Peebles, 11:22; Innerleithen, 11:53; Walkerburn, 12:04; Selkirk, 12:34; Galashiels, 13:16; Earlston, 14:29; Gordon, 14:53; Greenlaw, 15:07; Duns, 15:29.
And spectators are being advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
"Given that there is likely to be disruption to traffic, members of the public are encouraged to arrive over an hour in advance of the arrival of the advance activation vehicles and the torch to ensure they are in place, otherwise they may miss the celebrations."
Galashiels residents will be able to view the torch on Tweed Road. Then it will continue to the 3G Arena at Netherdale for a lunchtime stop and short civic event.
Members of the public are advised that this is an invitation-only event for school children and that the large car park at Netherdale will be closed for use by the Torch Relay convoy vehicles.
However, council chiefs have warned that some communities along the relay route, such as Clovenfords, may miss out.
"The torch convoy travels along the roads between towns and pauses at the start of each town to go into torch bearer mode, where the torch is actually carried through the streets by torch bearers," explained the council spokesperson.
"This means that the torch can only be seen when in torch bearer mode within towns. It cannot be seen between towns, where the convoy travels quickly and under the same conditions as other road traffic."
A map of the torch route is available on the council's website - www.scotborders.gov.uk
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 13 Jun 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
Border Telegraph Poll
Do you think community councillors should support plans to spend £5,500 on a new lamp post in Galashiels to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee? See this week's Border Telegraph for more details.
This Poll is now closed.
Yes (17.1%)
No (70.7%)
Only if it lights up the whole of Gala (12.2%)
