FROM Socketts Heath to Hogg Lane, the Olympic Torch Relay will run through Grays on the afternoon of Friday, 6 July.
The London Organising Committee made the announcement this morning (Monday, 19 March).
Timed to the second, the flame will start its Thurrock journey at 4.59pm. Starting in Lodge Lane, it will travel to Piggs Corner, turning into Southend Road, before heading towards Grays town centre at Palmer’s Avenue along Orsett Road and London Road, then finishing in Hogg Lane.
Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council said on Monday: “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.”
Such a momentous event will undoubtedly have an effect on everyday life and businesses, including access to certain areas and, in particular, road closures and the council is urging everyone to plan in advance.
The council has written to residents and businesses across the Grays area, inviting them to one of four question and answer sessions at the Thameside Theatre on the following dates: Tuesday 3 April, 6pm; Wednesday 4 April 7pm; Tuesday 10 April, 6pm; Wednesday 11 April, 2pm.
Questions can also be emailed to [email protected].
Businesses are also being contacted personally by council staff over the coming days.
Cllr Lynn Worrall, portfolio holder 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, 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 and Grays Shopping Centre’s multi-storey will not be charging.”
Cllr Kent added: “Over the coming weeks and following our conversations with residents and businesses, details of the event and how people can enjoy it will be publicised.
“Now we have a date, a time and a route, we can all start planning ahead.”
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “Today we bring the Olympic Torch Relay to life.
“The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets.
“Now the people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the Torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it Thurrock’s moment to shine.”
A question-and-answer page is available on Thurrock Council’s website (www.thurrock.gov.uk/celebrate). The website will be updated regularly and all local media outlets will also be kept updated.
