There was disappointment for Whaley Bridge when the routes for the Olympic torch relay throughout the UK next year were announced. The torch will not be carried through our streets as some people had been hoping, nor through Chapel, New Mills, or Disley. But you will be able to see the torch carried through
>Stockport on Sunday 24 June
>Macclesfield on Thursday 31 May, and
>Buxton nearly a month later on Friday 29 June.
An estimated 95 per cent of the UK population will be within ten miles of the torch route.
In the autumn, rising sports stars and community leaders joined forces to celebrate Buxton’s good news. High Peak Mayor David Lomax, who is also a Whaley Bridge town councillor, along with borough council leader Caitlin Bisknell and Anthony McKeown, executive councillor for community services, helped nine hotly tipped youngsters from across the area share the excitement.
All nine young people had previously received ‘talented athlete’ grants from a partnership of organisations including the borough council, Derbyshire county council and Derbyshire Sport.
Mayor David was even persuaded to join the athletes for a short run at a photocall in front of the Crescent buildings in Buxton. He said: “It’s wonderful that High Peak people will get to see the Olympic flame first hand.”
Mayor David Lomax joins young athletes in celebration run at Buxton Crescent
Times for next year’s torch run though nearby towns have not been announced yet.
Stockport on Sunday 24 June 2012 will welcome the torch after its journey from Salford, Moss Side and Levenshulme and wish the runners well in their onward journey to Ashton and Oldham.
Macclesfield on Thursday 31 May will see the torch relay after it has been to Crewe and Congleton. It then goes on to Knutsford, ending the day at Bolton for an evening celebration.
Buxton on Friday 29 June will cheer the torch carriers who set off from Nottingham, travelling though Bakewell and the Derbyshire Dales. The torch journey continues through Ashbourne to Derby, for another evening celebration.