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Published:
May 20, 2008
'Park
and ride' scheme planned for Burnham cycle race day
 A
free 'park and ride' scheme and extra parking spaces will be introduced
in Burnham-On-Sea when large crowds of spectators are expected
to line the town's streets to see the end of the South
West Stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race this autumn.
Burnham-On-Sea.com
was first to report in
February that our town had been picked as the final destination
for the September 9th race, which will be broadcast on digital
TV channel ITV4 and featured in the national press.
Town
councillors discussed the parking arrangements at their meeting
on Monday evening (May 19th) where it was confirmed that plans
for a 'park and ride' scheme are being considered to ensure spectators
can park outside the town and catch a bus into Burnham to watch
the race.
Cllr
Eric Gill, Chairman of the council's Town Improvements Commitee,
said: "The organisers from the County Council have talks
underway with Sanders Garden World and the owners of the Oaktree
speedway arena to provide off-site parking."
This
was confirmed on Tuesday morning (May 20th) when Graham Bagley,
project manager for the South West stage of the race, told Burnham-On-Sea.com:
"We are working on a free park and ride scheme with several
parties, so even if you can't get into Burnham you will still
be able to watch the race."
The
comments came amid fears that the spectators might be put off
coming to Burnham if there is inadequate parking. Cllr Neville
Jones said at Monday's meeting: "If there isn't enough parking
it will be a complete waste of time for the race to come here.
The whole idea is that the event should benefit Burnham."
Mr
Bagley added: "We want to reassure the council and local
traders that we want to work with them and ensure that proper
parking arrangements are in place."
He
also confirmed that King Alfred School, which is on the route
of the race, will be closing early by 1pm on the day of the race.
The
185km South West Stage of the cycle race will be the longest in
the whole race and will have a backdrop of stunning scenery as
it takes riders past some of Somerset's hidden gems and idyllic
Devon countryside.
Setting
off from near Chard in the south of Somerset, the riders will
pass through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Exmoor
National Park, and then on to the first ever coastal finish in
Burnham. The finishing line will be in
Burnham's Marine Drive. Click
here for a large map of the route.
RELATED
LINKS:
Excitement
grows as route of cycle race is announced
Large
image showing full route of the cycle race
[PDF Document]
It's
official! Burnham is confirmed as the finish line for top cycle
race
Exclusive:
Burnham set to host Tour of Britain Cycle Race
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