THE Olympic Torch Relay comes to Letchworth GC and Stevenage on Sunday with road closures in place for both events.

Torchbearers will first carry the flame through Letchworth GC as it sets off at 11.18am in Norton Road, making its way along Norton Way North, Station Road, Eastcheap and Gernon Road before finishing at 11.54am in Pixmore Way.

Eastcheap will be closed from 7am, as will any access for cars to Leys Avenue. The roads of the actual route will have additional parking restrictions - including Eastcheap, where parking bays will be suspended from Saturday evening - and there will be temporary road closures of up to 30 minutes as the torch progress. Parking in town centre car parks owned by North Herts District Council (NHDC) will be free with additional parking provided at the Spirella Building off Icknield Way.

After completing the Letchworth GC leg, the torch will then set off from North Road in Stevenage at 12.02pm, taking in High Street, Church Lane and Sish Lane up to King George V Playing Fields where members of the convoy will stop for lunch.

The relay will then continue at about 1pm, going along the cycle track next to Fairlands Way, through the roundabout and up onto St George’s Way and along Six Hills Way before coming to an end in Norton Road.

Road closures will be in place from 7am to 4pm on parts of High Street, Sish Lane, Fairlands Way and Silam Road, with rolling road closures in place for up to 30 minutes as the torch progresses.

St George’s roundabout underpass, cycle track and footway, linking the south side of Fairlands Way with the north side

of Fairlands Way, will also be shut from 7am to 4pm, as will Fairlands Way cycle track and footway on the south side between Bedwell Crescent and the St George’s Way roundabout underpass.

Cllr Ian Knighton, NHDC’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “We want to encourage everyone to come along support the Olympic Torch Relay and enjoy the events and street performances safely.

“Spectators from outside Letchworth are being advised to use public transport wherever possible as the train station is very close to the route. We are incredibly fortunate that the relay is right on our doorstep so lets make this a celebration that we can all be proud of.”

Cllr Howard Burrell, executive member for children and young people, culture, sport and leisure, said: “It’s very exciting for Stevenage to be involved in this historic event and share in the Olympic spirit. The torch is set to pass through residential areas, our High Street, the town centre, and will go past many of our much-loved landmarks.

“I hope lots of Stevenage people will come along, line the route and help Stevenage play its own special part in the Olympic Games.”