2012 Olympic flame to pass historic sites

The Olympic Torch is likely to pass through Shropshire on its way to the 2012 Games.

The torch is almost certain to pass through Ironbridge and is highly likely to pass through Much Wenlock too.

Although the route is yet to be finalised the Olympic organising committee has already said the torch will visit World Heritage sites. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, near Oswestry, also has World Heritage status.

Officials at Shropshire Council have already started making preparations to welcome the torch. The final decision on the route will be announced at the end of March.

Today George Candler, assistant director for culture and leisure at Shropshire Council, said: "No decisions have yet been made and we are unlikely to be given further details until the end of March."

He added: "The forerunner to the Olympic Games started at Much Wenlock, under the auspices of Dr William Penny Brookes, so it would make sense if it were to visit the town too, while it is en route to Ironbridge."

Mr Candler said the Olympic Torch was likely to be in the West Midlands for three to four days.

He added: "The Gaskell Ground, at Much Wenlock, is integral to the Olympic story because that is where the forerunner to the modern day Olympics took place. Ironbridge is a stone's throw away, so we would hope that both locations will be included in the final route. This really would be a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the people of Shropshire and beyond the celebrate their heritage and all of the work that has gone on."

Officials at Shropshire Council have already drawn up contingency plans so that the passage of the Olympic Torch could be celebrated safely. Officials would work with the police so that residents could line the streets and watch the symbolic flame pass.