Richmond will be lit up by the Olympic Torch as part of the torch relay it was announced last week.
Richmond will be lit up by the Olympic Torch as part of the torch relay it was announced last week.
The Olympics organisers LOCOG have announced that the Olympic flame will visit the borough on 24th and 27th July.
The names of the people who will carry the flame on its journey around the UK were announced.
Kate Filochowski from Twickenham is one of the local torchbearers who will be carrying the flame through the borough.
She was nominated to carry the torch by her friends because of her work with local youth hockey teams.
She said: “It will be the greatest honour of my life to be part of it; to carry the flame for a short way on its journey really is a dream come true.”
She added: “To me, the Olympics represent and embody the very best that people can be. The Games are an incredible celebration of life through sport.”
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said in a statement: “Now people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along, they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it Richmond upon Thames’ moment to shine.”
The torch will enter the borough at approximately 9.50am on 24th July from Kingston.
It will then travel down Petersham Road, High Street, George Street, The Quadrant (A307), Kew Road, Kew Gardens, Kew Green and Kew Bridge.
Arrangements for the 27th July are still currently being finalised.
As well as the torch visit, Richmond will also be hosting two road cycling races, two cycling time trials and a familiarisation event as part of the Olympics.
Due to all these events, there will be a large impact on the borough as road closures will affect both residents and businesses in the area.
Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources and Chairman of the Council’s Strategic Olympics Programme Board said that the Council are working with LOCOG and TfL and other agencies to make sure the borough is prepared for the upcoming events.
Councillor Samuel said: “One of the key things we are doing is ensuring that residents and businesses are aware of the impact. The events will involve many roads being closed, road furniture being removed and hundreds of parking bays being suspended.”
Rick Turner, who was the Police Commander in the borough for over three years, has been appointed to oversee the local plans for the Games.
He said: “Hosting Olympic events is a fantastic opportunity. Our streets and beautiful parks will be the focus of the world.”
Mr Turner continued: “But because of this, there is a lot to consider. Residents around the borough need to be aware of the events and what will happen in the days surrounding them.”
A series of workshops and briefings for local people will take place over the next few months to provide information about the impact of the Games and what preparations can be made.
For more information, visit www.richmond.gov.uk or email [email protected].
