KEY roads in Horwich will be closed when hundreds of cyclists, swimmers and runners descend on the town for a festival of racing next month.

The famous Horwich Festival of Racing has doubled in size and will take place on June 18 and 19.

A new programme of running and cycling events has been introduced this year, taking place over the weekend.

Because of this, a number of roads will be closed in Horwich to facilitate the event safely as numbers joining are expected to increase significantly.

From 10am to 10pm on Saturday June 18, the following roads will be closed: Lee Lane from its junction with Winter Hey Lane to the Crown Roundabout; Chorley New Road between the Crown roundabout and Winter Hey Lane; Jones Street between Lee Lane and Peter Martin Street; Winter Hey Lane, and St John’s St.

From 6am to 6pm on Sunday, June 19, the following roads will be closed: Chorley New Road between the Crown roundabout and Winter Hey Lane; Lee Lane from its junction with Winter Hey Lane to the Crown Roundabout, and Winter Hey Lane.

On Sunday, at approximately 10.45am and 12.20pm, Church Street will be closed for 20 minutes from the Horwich Leisure Centre to allow runners to pass safely.

Signposted diversions will be in place and marshals will be present to assist affected residents and businesses to use the alternative routes around the town centre.

Businesses on the Pearl Brook industrial estate can access the site from Chorley New Road, and motorists are advised that car parks on St John’s St will also be closed for the weekend.

President of the Festival Barbara Ronson said: “I am thrilled that we are able to run events on the Saturday as well this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for youngsters to take part and it will draw many more people into the town but we do appreciate that as the event grows that there will be an impact on journeys around Horwich town centre.

“We have worked hard with Bolton Council and with our own traffic management contractors to provide clear alternative routes.

“We will be delivering letters to all businesses and residents around the course outlining what these are and giving them plenty of notice to arrange alternative delivery days and travel routes.

“This is a fantastic local event and there will be plenty to see and do over the weekend. It’s not too late to enter.”

Cabinet member for culture Cllr John Byrne added: “We want to make sure the weekend is a success for Horwich and the road closures are essential to facilitate the event safely.

“The Horwich Festival of Racing covers a wide area and we are working closely with the organiser and other partners in an effort to minimise disruption.

“We would encourage people to plan their travel in advance, use alternative routes and we would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists in advance for their patience.”

For more information, visit www.horwichfestivalofracing.co.uk.

For full details of all road closures, visit www.bolton.gov.uk/trafficorders.