Heated debate over Ironbridge road closures for Olympic Torch

Road closures in a Shropshire town during the Olympic torch procession were a 'disaster' as local residents were not allowed to get to their homes, according to parish councillors.

People were not allowed to use closed roads to reach their homes when the torch travelled through Ironbridge on May 30, it has been claimed.

And members of the Gorge Parish Council have claimed the stand-off led to heated scenes on the streets between residents and marshals.

Councillors say they now want talks with officials at Telford & Wrekin Council to discuss future road closures to make sure things run more smoothly.

The torch was carried over the Iron Bridge and along the Wharfage before turning into Dale End and going along Wellington Road.

Road closures included the High Street, Tontine Hill, the Wharfage, Belmont Road, Hodge Bower, St Luke's Road and Church Hill.

Councillor Heather Oldershaw, speaking at a parish council meeting on Tuesday, said residents were denied access to their homes and claimed 'it nearly came to blows at Hodge Bower' as residents tried to persuade officials to let them through to go home.

She said: "I suggest that if someone has a residents' permit that they are given the benefit of the doubt and let through.

"Residents will not be charging up and down the roads just because they can, they will just be going to their homes. It causes so much distress.

"It's outrageous – you should not have to go through that to get to your home."

Councillor Oldershaw said she was particularly concerned if plans for a World Heritage Festival go ahead in the autumn.

Councillors agreed that they would ask Telford & Wrekin Council for talks.

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