EXCITEMENT is mounting as Ealing gets ready to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay to the borough next Tuesday. 

Large crowds are expected to line the route from Northala Fields, towards Southall and along Uxbridge Road through Hanwell, West Ealing and on to Ealing Green.

The torch will reach Walpole Park at approx 6.50pm, where it will be received at a special evening party.

Though the 8,000 free tickets for the party were quickly snapped up by residents, those who were left empty-handed will be able to enjoy the action on stage via a large screen situated in a different part of the park.

The gates to the park will open at 4pm, with music, dancing and other performances beginning at around 5.30.

Two Ealing residents looking forward to the event are the borough’s torchbearers, Southall charity worker Tom Thacker and Brentside High School student Sydney Richards, who were picked from dozens of applicants.

Council leader Julian Bell said: “This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Torch travel through Ealing and I hope people will get into the Olympic spirit to cheer it on.

“The celebration event in Walpole Park also promises to be a night to remember, so it’s great that anyone who may have been disappointed they did not get tickets will be able to watch the action on screen.”

Those who want to watch the relay should get to their chosen viewing spot around an hour before the torch is likely to arrive.

Public car parks will be open, though residents are advised to use public transport if possible.

Parking and loading restrictions will be in operation along the route from 8am until the evening of Tuesday, July 24.

The torch route and anticipated timings are:
17:00    Olympic Torch arrives at Northala Fields
17:16    Torch leaves Northala Fields
17:19    Kensington Road
17:25    Lady Margaret Road
17:47    Southall High Street
17:50    Uxbridge Road A4020
18:05    Hanwell Broadway
18:15    West Ealing
18:32    New Broadway (Ealing Town Hall)
18:34    High Street, Ealing
18:37    Ealing Green
18:39    St Mary’s Road, Ealing
18:44    Church Lane, Ealing
18:45    Culmington Road
18:47    Lammas Park Gardens
18:48    Olympic Torch arrives at Walpole Park

For further information visit www.ealing.gov.uk or www.tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner for travel information.
www.london2012.com/linethestreets