WITH the arrival of the Olympic torch just weeks away, people in the borough are being reminded to plan ahead for their journeys and are being encouraged to show their full support when the flame passes through on July 5.

On the morning of Thursday, July 5, torchbearers in Acle, Filby and Great Yarmouth will carry the Olympic flame through the villages before it leaves the borough on Pasteur Road.

London 2012 banners will line the streets along the route of the torch to help people get in the spirit.

In Yarmough borough, the route will start near Filby Bridge at around 8.20am, and three torchbearers will exchange the flame along Main Road as far as Filby Close.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) will then drive the flame to Yarmouth just after 8.30am.

The relay will start again close to Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium at around 8.55am when 11 torchbearers will take it in turns to carry the torch and flame along Caister Road, Lawn Avenue, North Quay and onto Fullers Hill.

Crowds are expected to gather as the torchbearer brings the flame through the Market Place at around 9.25am.

The route then sees the torch carried down Regent Street, along Hall Quay and across Haven Bridge, down Bridge Road and Pasteur Road. The torchbearing will end close to Homebase at around 9.40am.

The flame will then be driven to Lowestoft.

There will be a rolling road closure system in place to minimise disruption. Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for their journey or to leave earlier or later.

People wishing to watch the Olympic flame are advised to arrive at their chosen place half an hour earlier than the scheduled torch time.

Marie Harley, Great Yarmouth borough council’s culture, sport and leisure manager, said: “Whether along Main Road in Filby, or along the 45-minute route through Great Yarmouth, we hope to see as many residents as possible lining the route and cheering on those taking part.

“While it’s a working day, I really hope businesses and their staff embrace this opportunity and line the roadside.”

Great Yarmouth sports partnership is offering grants of up to �250 to support local activities taking place in the borough to celebrate London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The deadline for applications is Friday, June 22. To apply, contact Marie Hartley on 01493 846354 or email mlh@great-yarmouth.gov.uk

To find out more about who the local torchbearers are, see next week’s Mercury.