Olympic Torch To Pass Through Wrexham

The Olympic Torch Relay will come through Wrexham on its journey around the UK ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London it was announced today.

Wrexham town centre, Rhostyllen, Acrefair and the Pontcysyllte Acqueduct have all been confirmed on the torch’s route.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, built by Thomas Telford, has been named as one of the alternative modes of transport that will be used during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

The news has been warmly received by the Trevor community who are planning to hold a celebration event to mark the arrival of the Olympic Flame on 30 May 2012.

Precise details of what will happen on the day have not been released yet but the whole community is invited to come together to share the excitement of the relay and celebrate the achievements of the torchbearers.

The torch will leave Wales via the Aqueduct route as it continues its journey into England.

Celebrations will also be held in the other three Wrexham communities hosting the torch as well as areas across the county borough.

Trevor Councillor Pat Jeffares welcomed the news that the Olympic Torch would be passing through his constituency via the Pontcysyllte Acqueduct, he said: “This is very exciting news and clearly recognises this magnificent example of innovation and engineering brilliance as one of the most important landmarks in the UK.”

Cllr Bob Dutton, OBE, Lead Member for Communities and Performance, said: “This announcement and the news that three other communities in Wrexham will play host to the Olympic Flame is a great honour for the area and it is very pleasing to know that every community in Wrexham will have the opportunity to see the Olympic Flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay.

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) said: “We are thrilled to confirm that the Olympic Flame will be visiting the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct as part of its journey around the UK.

“We have worked hard to devise a route that achieves the optimum mix of proximity to people whilst taking in diversity of the UK’s landscape and landmarks, and by taking in this area and Telford’s alternative mode of transport we are doing just that.

He added: “This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Wrexham to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”

To view the route the Olympic Torch will take in full visit http://www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay-map