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Friday 6th July 2012
The Olympic Torch Relay coming to Rayleigh!

On day 49 of its journey across the country, the Olympic Flame will travel through Rayleigh on Friday 6th July between 10.20am-10.45am (approximately) and Rochford District Council would like to invite everyone to enjoy this once in a lifetime event.
It isn’t just the Torch that will be dazzling Rayleigh on the 6th July, the Council has organised masses of free, fun events for all the family to enjoy during the day.

Among the dozens of free events lined up are:
· Street Entertainer Bruce Airhead performs his metamorphosis show where he emerges from a six foot balloon as an Olympic Torchbearer.
· The Adjudicators - A walkabout street act who interact and involve crowds to perform fun time trials and award ceremonies.
· Free children's art workshops including 'Make your own Olympic Torch' and 'Bunting Marathon'.
· Rayleigh Windmill in Bellingham Lane will be open from 11am-2pm with its spectacular ‘Rochford District celebrates in 2012’ exhibition celebrating the Olympics.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of Rayleigh as the Olympic Flame passes through the Rochford District.
The Olympic Flame will be carried by Torchbearers and visible to the public along a route through Rayleigh.
The Torch will travel along London Road, but will only be visible from the point London Road passes Louis Drive East, the Torch will then be visible as it continues along London Road, into Station Road and up Crown Hill, passing the Dutch Cottage. It will then turn right into the High Street and continue along the High Street and into High Road. The Torch will no longer be visible to the public as it passes the junction with Brook Road.
Please note the above route is the only section of road where the Torch will be visible in Rayleigh.

To keep disruption to a minimum, Rochford District Council has issued some advice for spectators to consider before they make their journey:

· As this is a free unique event we encourage you to arrive early to increase your chance of having a good view of the Torch.  Once you decide where you wish to view the Relay please remain there, traffic will be live in both directions, so please do not swap between viewing areas.
· If at all possible walk, cycle, or use public transport, check the timetables of the individual companies concerned.
· Car parks in the area are expected to get busy early (normal charges will apply) and there is likely to be traffic disruption.  There will also be parking restrictions along certain sections of the route during the relay.
· Dress according to the weather and don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear.
· If it’s hot don’t forget to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids, if it’s cold, wrap up warm
· Please take care of your valuables such as wallets and mobile phones

For more information on the Torch Relay visit our website: www.rochford.gov.uk/2012 or contact Rochford District Council Leisure Team on: 01702 546 366

Also, please don’t forget that if you do not want to come to the event, expect delays in Rayleigh on the day. We want to keep disruption to a minimum, but with such a big event, there will inevitably be some delays to normal business in the area.

Arriving by Car
We are advising all Rayleigh residents and visitors to expect delays to traffic and to plan extra time for their journeys. There will be a period before, during and after the Relay when traffic is likely to be at a standstill.

Car parking
We are expecting a big crowd to come to Rayleigh to see the Torch Relay, and we encourage as many residents and visitors as possible to leave their cars at home if they can.
Here are the car parking facilities for the morning of the relay (please note parking charges apply from 7am-7pm Monday to Friday):
· Bellingham Lane Car Park - mixed stay - 68 spaces
· Castle Road Car Park, Rayleigh - mixed stay - 148 spaces
· The Market Car Park, Rayleigh - mixed stay - 65 spaces
· Websters Way Car Park, Rayleigh - short stay - 347 spaces. The maximum permitted time is 4 hours, although season ticket holders may use the car park and are not subject to a time limit.
· The Approach Car Park, Rayleigh - designated 'long stay' for the use of motorists wishing to park throughout the day. For non-season ticket holders there is an all day parking charge.

Public Transport
Those planning to visit Rayleigh by public transport, are advised to check out timetables and routes, via
www.traveline.info to help you plan your journey.