Heated debate over Ironbridge road closures for Olympic Torch
Road closures in a Shropshire town during the Olympic torch procession were a ‘disaster’ as local residents were not allowed to get to their homes, according to parish councillors.
Road closures in a Shropshire town during the Olympic torch procession were a ‘disaster’ as local residents were not allowed to get to their homes, according to parish councillors.
People were not allowed to use closed roads to reach their homes when the torch travelled through Ironbridge on May 30, it has been claimed.
And members of the Gorge Parish Council have claimed the stand-off led to heated scenes on the streets between residents and marshals.
Councillors say they now want talks with officials at Telford & Wrekin Council to discuss future road closures to make sure things run more smoothly.
The torch was carried over the Iron Bridge and along the Wharfage before turning into Dale End and going along Wellington Road.
Road closures included the High Street, Tontine Hill, the Wharfage, Belmont Road, Hodge Bower, St Luke’s Road and Church Hill.
Councillor Heather Oldershaw, speaking at a parish council meeting on Tuesday, said residents were denied access to their homes and claimed ‘it nearly came to blows at Hodge Bower’ as residents tried to persuade officials to let them through to go home.
She said: “I suggest that if someone has a residents’ permit that they are given the benefit of the doubt and let through.
“Residents will not be charging up and down the roads just because they can, they will just be going to their homes. It causes so much distress.
“It’s outrageous – you should not have to go through that to get to your home.”
Councillor Oldershaw said she was particularly concerned if plans for a World Heritage Festival go ahead in the autumn.
Councillors agreed that they would ask Telford & Wrekin Council for talks.
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Comments for: "Heated debate over Ironbridge road closures for Olympic Torch"
sue
Everyone knew when the road closers would be! As most residents in Ironbridge and hodge bower are not local people these days1 There should never have bought a house in a tourist area! if they dont like all the events we have in Ironbridge i suggest they move elsewhere! Give Ironbridge back to the people that have lived here all their lives!
H. St. John Peasbody
The accompanying photo shows hundreds of people enjoying the torch traveling through Ironbridge. It was a once in a lifetime event. Get over yourselves and get a life!
jules
Why do people always have to find the bad in good. What an honour to have the olympic torch, it only caused disruption for a couple of hours. You live in a tourist area these things will happen. Parish Councillors seem to always fuel the fire, elderly people with too much tme on their hands. T&W Council did an excellent job. Just think of all the extra money the local businesses made that day and will continue to make at all the events and festivals.
max
I don't know whether I find the original report from the Gorge Parish Council meeting more exasperating than the response from Sue. Yes, it was a bit inconvenient for about half an hour in the middle of a Wednesday afternoon and yes, I too couldn't drive out of our road in Coalbrookdale. But you know what, I parked my van, took the dog for a walk down to watch the relay with my neighbours, it won't happen again in my lifetime. If that really is the most 'outrageous' issue being 'debated' at the meetings of our parish council, life can't really be that bad in the Gorge can it?
Sue, just curious. If people live in a community are they not local by the virtue of where they live? And if not, how long do I have to live here to considered local. I'm just glad that your opinion wasn't prevalent when Darby and Reynolds needed migrant workers (from other parts of the UK) to come and work in their ironworks.
pam
after a long day @work i like to get home and put my feet up dont you sue or are you at home all day every day with your feet up with nout better to do but wave your flag.some people go to work to feed their familys and work hard.sorry but could not take the day off work so i could wave my flag.ho dear!! :)