COUNCIL bosses have announced which roads will be closed next month as the Olympic torch passes through Knutsford.

The Olympic Torch Relay arrives in Knutsford on the morning of Thursday, May 31, and, as part of the preparations, Cheshire East Council has announced a series of road closures in the town.

The council, in conjunction with the police, has taken the decision to close roads where the Olympic Flame is being carried by torchbearers.

The road closures are necessary to protect the public and to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity safe and enjoyable for all Cheshire East residents and participants.

The road closures are likely to cause significant disruption to traffic, and residents are being advised to allow plenty of time for their journeys during the morning.

Anyone planning to watch the relay is being asked to walk or cycle to the route where possible. Those travelling in their own vehicles are being encouraged to set off early and park in off-street car parks.

Public transport will also be disrupted, and access to Knutsford station will be affected.

The following roads will be closed between approximately 9.25am and 11.50am – A537 Chelford Road, A537 Brook Street, A50 Toft Road, A50 King Edward Road and A50 Manchester Road.

Information leaflets and maps are being prepared, and will be distributed to all homes and businesses along the roads that are closed, as well as those adjacent to them.

Although the torch will only be passing through the town for a short period, it is necessary to close the road for longer to accommodate the various events that will be lining the route as well as the road cleaning after the relay has passed.

Further information about waste collections on Thursday, May 31, will be announced nearer the time.

Clr Rod Menlove said: “The Olympic Torch Relay is a unique event, and we want as many Cheshire East residents as possible to come out and see the flame for themselves.

“We are closing the roads for the safety of participants and spectators, and we will do our utmost to reduce the disruption by reopening the roads as soon as it is safe to do so.”

All the information, including a map of road closures, is available to view online at cheshireeast.gov.uk/2012.