Archive News Item

With large crowds attending and drenched in glorious sunshine, the Olympic Torch Relay has captured the imagination of the British public as it has moved through the country and next week will see Powys’ turn to host the summer spectacle.

Monday will see the Olympic Flame carried through the streets of Machynlleth just after 10am, before it is waved goodbye from Wales on Wednesday after visiting Llanymynech at around 10.30am and Welshpool at 10.50am.

Thousands of pupils from various schools around the county will be in attendance, and there is sure to be a large turnout from residents within the three communities and further afield on the day, as seen wherever the Relay has been so far.

It is advised that spectators arrive around an hour beforehand to get the best viewing areas, with the best sighting of the Relay and the chance to get free gifts from the sponsors available from the left side of the road, however everything will be also visible from the right.

To create as much unobstructed viewing space as possible along the route temporary parking restrictions will be placed upon Heol Pentrerhedyn and Heol Penrallt in Machynlleth, as well as on Broad Street in Welshpool. It is expected that these will be removed by 2pm at each event.

If the fine weather continues, spectators are advised to bring suncream and plenty of bottled water to ensure that they don’t get too hot.

Businesses on the Relay route are being asked not to arrange any deliveries after 7.30am as there will be no access to vehicles until after the area has been cleared.

As the Torch passes through the communities, a rolling road closure will be in effect organised by the police, but once the convoy has passed through that area these roads will be reopened. Motorists are warned to expect some traffic disruption on this day.

A diversion around Llanymynech on 30 May will also be in effect from the A483 Mardy Bridge junction, south of Four Crosses, along the B4393 via Shrewsbury towards Oswestry. This will mean there will be a road closure in operation from 9.30am until after the Relay has passed through the village.

Maps highlighting the route and landmarks such as toilets and car parks can be found at www.powys.gov.uk/olympics, as well as more information and frequently asked questions. Information can also be provided by calling 0845 602 7030.

Powys County Council will also be tweeting from the event, for all the latest updates over the two days follow @PowysCC on Twitter.

If you can’t get to the communities to watch the event in person, the BBC are streaming live coverage of the Torch as it progresses through the UK at www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay.