National Road Race – residents invited to public meeting

The meeting will be at 7pm on Wednesday 19th May at Roughlee Village Centre.

Brian Cookson, Pendle Council's Executive Director for Regeneration said:

"This exhilarating race on Sunday 27th June is now less than two months away!

"It'll be the highlight of Pendle's sporting year and the pinnacle of the UK cycling calendar.

"But it's so important that everything goes smoothly for local residents," he explained.

Pendle Council and Pennine Events are co-ordinating the race with support from the event sponsor, Pendle's own cottages4you.

They are keen to meet again with residents this month to go through the plans in more detail and respond to any additional questions or concerns people may have.

They've been working hard since the meeting in February to sort out any problems local people may face due to the road closure.

On Sunday 27th June the race circuit through Roughlee, Barley, Black Moss Road, Wheathead Lane and Blacko Bar Road and some approach roads will be closed from 7am until 7pm to ensure safety for everyone. 

The closure will also go past Pendle Hill and down into the Ribble Valley as far as Downham village.

Shuttle buses will be provided on the Ribble Valley side so that local residents and visitors can come and enjoy the thrills of the big race. 

On the Pendle side car parking will be provided within walking distance of the circuit.

Brian said: "At the meeting we'll give people all the information they need about access and parking for residents and what to do in case of an emergency.

Pennine Events Director and Pendle resident Mark Sandamas added:

"It's vital local residents let us know if they have any pressing needs they may have on the day, such as essential medical visits and nursing care.

"We will do our very best to help and have already supported people who need special arrangements.

"For example we've been making sure care workers for an elderly resident can get in and out safely on the day.

Residents can call Pennine Events on (01772) 447979 or Pendle Council on (01282) 661661 to alert us to any issues.

Mark added:  "We'd also like people to flag up any questions or concerns before the meeting.

"This will help us to cover every angle possible on the night - or will help people who can't attend.

Brian Cookson added:

"We are working flat out to make sure the day is safe and successful for Pendle.

"It's the first time we've had a national sporting event of this size here - it's like the Tour de France coming to Pendle!

"It'll be a major boost to tourism as the event will be broadcast live on satellite TV putting Pendle and our award winning best-kept villages on the map.

"For local residents it's a fantastic opportunity to see the country's top cyclists battling it out at the UK's biggest cycle race of the year!

"But careful planning is essential," he advised.

"That's why we're keen to hear any questions or concerns people have before the meeting if possible to make sure we cover everything.

"We also want residents to make the most of this opportunity for what will be an amazing day.

"There'll be a fabulous atmosphere and a real continental-style feel to the event.

"At the meeting we'll also be asking residents for their ideas for a special competition for the local community." He added.

"We want to encourage residents to get into the whole spirit of it.  We hope they'll invite friends and relatives over, have a picnic or even a garden party!"