Olympic torch visit ‘a step closer’
Thursday 29th January 2009, 11:49AM GMT.
Plans for the Olympic torch relay to visit Shropshire ahead of the 2012 Games have moved a step nearer.
David Wright, Labour MP for Telford, said there is “a head of steam building” behind a bid for the tour to include some of the UK’s World Heritage Sites, including the Iron Bridge in the Ironbridge Gorge.
Mr Wright, chairman of a parliamentary group for World Heritage Sites, said he feels he has moved a step closer to the goal after receiving a letter from Olympics minister Tessa Jowell.
He had written to her in November last year outlining the idea and also suggesting the torch could visit Much Wenlock. In her letter, Miss Jowell said: “I think it would be a great opportunity to promote World Heritage Sites in 2012 through opportunities such as the torch relay.”
Mr Wright said including Ironbridge in the torch relay would bring a massive boost to Telford’s economy and raise the profile of the town.
“I think there’s a head of steam building behind this proposal and I will carry on campaigning as hard as I can to get the Olympic torch relay to go over the Gorge,” he added.
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What concerns me is that this “torch” is questionable with regards to its green credentials. Do we want its pollution in Shropshire? Surely it emits fine particles and will result in increased infant mortality in the area? Ban the torch!
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Surely it is without question that the torch will go to Much Wenlock. After all this is the birthplace of William Penny Brookes, the founding father of the modern Olympics.
With regard to particulate pollution from the torch, utter nonsense!!!
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Good to see that our MP has got his priorities wright again!
Job losses being announced daily, record numbers on the housing list, and he’s worried about someone running through Ironbridge with an oversized fag lighter in three and a half years time.
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