Published on:
31
May 2012
Clackmannanshire Council has been working with our community partners for many months to ensure that the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay is our moment to shine.
The work will ensure that the Relay passes along the Alloa section of the route smoothly on Wednesday 13th June.
It is hoped that people of all ages throughout Clackmannanshire will turn out in force to welcome the Olympic Flame, share in the excitement of the Relay, and celebrate the achievements of the Torchbearers.
Inspirational Torchbearers Robbie Donaldson, Gerry Malone and Lesley Finn will carry the Flame through Alloa from outside Alloa Athletic's stadium in Clackmannan Road, past Forth Valley College, along King Street and past the train station, towards Alloa Town Hall, finishing at Marshill.
The Torch will arrive in Clackmannan Road just after 9am on 13th June and the Clackmannanshire section of the Relay will last around 15 minutes.
We plan to close the A907 from Clackmannan Road roundabout through to Ludgate from 8am until 10am.
Given the nature of the event and planning arrangements surrounding the Olympic Torch Relay and the accompanying convoy, there is likely to be significant traffic disruption during its time in the area and we advise everyone along the route to make plans to ensure that this doesn't disrupt your business or travel arrangements.
Thousands of school children from Clackmannanshire's nurseries, primaries and secondary schools will be lining the route and we have allocated each of them a viewing area.
Members of the public are encouraged to also line the route and good viewing areas will be available along the train station side of King Street and in King Street car park, behind the Speirs Centre, at Shillinghill roundabout, in front of Forth Valley College, at Marshill and on the north side of Clackmannan Road in front of the Recs. Security around the Torch and Torchbearers will be significant, so please ensure the progress of the Torchbearers is not impeded at any time.
Council staff will be stewarding the route and the school children will be accompanied by school staff at all times.
Public parking will be available throughout Alloa Town Centre - the only car park that will be closed will be King Street car park. The train station car park will be open until 8am and the car park behind Alloa Town Hall is set aside for guest attending the civic reception. Public toilets will be available within the Speirs Centre.
Alloa town centre's weekly refuse collection will be later than normal on the 13th and we're asking businesses not to present their bins at the kerbside until after 10am. We will also be writing to residents living near Clackmannan Road about changes to their waste collections on the 13th.
Church bells in Alloa will be ringing during the Relay and the Council has been working with Alloa Town centre BID on an Olympic-themed treasure hunt involving 18 of the town centre business. Flower displays are also set to be a blaze of 'gold' coloured blooms to tie in with the Olympic theme.
The Provost is hosting a civic event for the Torchbearers and their families in Alloa Town Hall at the end of the Relay. Welcome entertainment will be provided the event by Hillfoots Music for Youth - Concert Band and there will also be demonstrations by members of Tullibody Wrestling Club and The Dojo - Judo Club.
Provost Tina Murphy said: "I hope that the Olympic Torch Relay on 13th June is an unforgettable day and when the whole of Clackmannanshire comes together to celebrate this momentous occasion."
Superintendent Graham Bye from Central Scotland Police said: " We have been working closely with Clackmannanshire Council to ensure the Olympic Torch Relay passes safely along the route.
"This is a unique event and we anticipate large numbers of people will turn up to see the Olympic Torch. There will be disruption to traffic and our advice is to plan your journey and to allow extra time for it. We encourage those attending to take direction from stewards along the route."
Clackmannanshire Council Primary Schools Expressive Arts Team has received funding from Creative Scotland to further enhance singing opportunities in primary schools.
Each primary school will benefit from an investment into singing resources - some of which will have an 'Olympic' theme and will be used in schools during the run up to the summer holiday. Some schools will sing specific 'Olympic' themed songs on the day of the torch procession.
Other resources purchased will enable schools to enhance singing opportunities throughout the summer and beyond.
Just like the Olympics, our 'Summer of Song' investment from Creative Scotland will leave a legacy as any resources purchased will be used for many years to come to develop singing in our schools.
Every primary school has also been holding Olympic themed events this term involving Health Weeks, Sports Days, after-school clubs and cross curricular activities during the school day, with some very innovative ideas
All of our the schools have been allocated tickets to watch a range of Olympic events both in Scotland and London.
And local sports clubs will be highlighting what they have to offer after the Torch Relay, using the performance space at the top of Alloa High Street from 10am onwards on the 13th. The High Street will be closed from 10am-12noon to allow this event to happen.