Olympic torch route through Suffolk - information for local businesses

I am sure you have seen reports in the media that the London 2012 Olympic torch relay is well underway on its 70-day tour of the country - which will include Suffolk from 5 - 7 July 2012. Clearly this spectacle is attracting significant public attention and we anticipate many thousands of people will want to line the route to watch the torch pass through Suffolk.

As the torch moves around the UK, it is being preceded by Olympic sponsors distributing freebies and encouraging the crowds to get excited about the torch. And to help manage the torch relay route and ensure everyone’s safety, there is also a ‘rolling road block’ that moves with the convoy.

Mindful of the potential impact the torch relay may have on your business, both in terms of increased footfall but also temporary access limitations, we would like to draw to your attention some helpful information and contact details. We hope this will help you plan for the event.

We have published a short guide to getting prepared for the torch online: www.suffolk.gov.uk/readyforthetorch

For a detailed map of the Olympic torch relay route, visit: www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay

For further information about how the torch relay will be handled in your area, including temporary road closures and public events, contact your district or borough council: www.suffolk.gov.uk

Waveney District Council

asa.morrison@waveney.gov.uk Asa Morrison - 01502 523332

Suffolk Coastal District Council

Customer Services - 01394 383789

Ensuring the Olympic torch relay benefits everyone in Suffolk is a priority for us so we anticipate sharing more information with you as and when we are able.

A summary of the torch relay’s route through Suffolk (including timings):

The torch will enter Suffolk on the morning of Thursday 5 July and will travel through Lowestoft (09:50-10:56), Wrentham (11:00-11:22), Reydon (11:15-11:41), Southwold  (11:20-12:00), Kelsale  (13:15-13:39), Saxmundham (13:30-13:49), Aldeburgh (13:45-14:45), Wickham Market (14:55-15:16), Ufford (15:05-15:27), Melton (15:15-15:44), Woodbridge (15:30-16:29) and Felixstowe (16:35-17:19) before arriving in Ipswich (18:10) for a major public celebration in Christchurch Park (18:40).

It will leave Ipswich early on Friday morning (06:35-07:08) and then return to Suffolk on Saturday 7 July when it will travel through Haverhill (14:30-15:15), Bury St Edmunds (15:30-17:10) and then Newmarket (17:20-17:52).