A NUMBER of roads will be closed when Bolton hosts its annual Ironman weekend of sport.

Bolton is gearing up for the world’s largest Ironkids race on Saturday and the gruelling Ironman event on Sunday.

To facilitate both events safely, a number of road closures will be in place around the borough.

Key roads will be closed in the town centre – this year Ironkids will start and finish on Le Mans Crescent and the finish line for Ironman has been moved from Victoria Square to Le Mans Crescent.

From 1am on Friday to noon on Monday, July 20 vehicles will not be able to enter or exit Le Mans Crescent from Deansgate or Ashburner Street.

Knowsley Street to Deansgate will be closed for Ironkids from 6am to 1pm and 9am to midnight for Ironman.

Roads will also be closed on Sunday in the west of Bolton for the Ironman triathlon, which involves a 2.4-mile swim in Pennington Flash, a 112-mile cycle ride, and a marathon.

Due to the cycling route, some roads in Westhoughton will be closed from 6am to 9.30am, including Platt Lane from North Road to Park Road. From 6am to 5.30pm, Chorley New Road will also be closed from Beaumont Road to Lee Lane to allow cyclists to pass through safely.

Chorley New Road will be closed from 10.30am to midnight for the marathon, from Beaumont Road to the junction with St George’s Road and Chorley Old Road. Marshals will be present to allow access for emergency services, residents, and businesses.

Heaton Fold Garden Centre, on Overdale Drive, will host Bolton’s second artisan market and access for the centre will be via Gilnow Road and through Heaton Cemetery.

Shoppers are advised that Middlebrook Retail Park will be open as usual. Some diversions will be in place via De Havilland Way and Mansell Way between 6.30am and 5.45pm.

Managing director of Ironman UK, Kevin Stewart, said: “While the event continues to grow both in size and stature, this would not be possible without the support from Bolton Council and the local residents and businesses.

“While we appreciate that this can have an impact on normal journeys, the information on our website should help minimise any delays due to the race.

“One aspect of Ironman UK in recent years has been the huge growth in spectator support and we look forward to thousands of local residents turning out this Sunday to cheer people on.”

Cabinet member for culture Cllr John Byrne added: “We want to make sure both of these events are once again a success for the town and the road closures are essential to facilitate both events safely.

“The Ironman triathlon route covers a wide area and we work closely with Ironman UK and other partners in an effort to minimise disruption. We would encourage people to plan their travel and we would like to thank residents and motorists in advance for their patience.

“This is the seventh Bolton Ironman and the fourth Ironkids that we’re hosting and, as we’ve seen, both of these events brings thousands of people into Bolton and vast economic benefit to the town.”

For more information contact Ironman UK on 01865 596266 or e-mail uk@ironman.com.

Full details of all road closures www.bolton.gov.uk/trafficorders.

For more information about the event visit www.ironman.com/uk.

A spectators’ guide is available at www.visitbolton.com.