DUNSTABLE is getting set to welcome the Olympic Flame during its historic journey across the UK.
The town is busily preparing for the arrival of the Torch Relay in the town, on Monday, July 9.
Central Beds Council is working with Dunstable Town Council and the emergency services to make sure that the relay takes place with minimal disruption and that spectators can watch the procession safely.
Dunstablians’ first glimpse of the Olympic Flame will come just before 7.30am on July 9.
After overnight celebrations in Luton, the relay will enter Dunstable via Luton Road, at the Skimpot Road roundabout.
Torchbearers will carry the Flame along Luton Road.
Then they will head into High Street North, which will be decked out in the Olympic colours and will be the focus of celebrations.
Organisers say this will be the best place for spectators to stand.
The relay through the town ends soon after 8am at the French’s Avenue junction.
There, it will join a vehicle convoy heading for Milton Keynes.
Councillor James Jamieson, the Central Beds Council leader, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the torch and our inspirational torchbearers to Dunstable.
“We want this to be a safe and enjoyable event for everyone and I hope that residents who can conveniently get to Dunstable will line the streets to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“This is a moment of celebration for the whole of Central Bedfordshire and I hope that people will extend the celebrations through their own events to make it even more memorable.”
Road closures along the route will be in place from 6.30am-9am.
High Street North will be fully closed from the town centre to Brewers Hill Road.
There will be restrictions along Luton Road, which will be subject to rolling road closures or may be fully closed, depending on visitor numbers and traffic conditions.
Spectators are strongly advised to walk or cycle, where possible.
If you are planning to travel by car or coach, the advice is to start out early and get to Dunstable by 6am at the latest to avoid disappointment.
Roads will be reopened to traffic as soon as it is safe to do so.
Any road closures should be lifted from 9am but it may take some time for traffic flows to return to normal.
People are advised to avoid unnecessary journeys around the town, and anyone who has to travel should allow extra time. For more advice, see www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/olympics.