DRIVERS have been urged to plan ahead for road closures during the Horwich Festival of Racing.

The event, now in its 16th year, will feature hundreds of cyclists, swimmers and runners taking part in a range of programmes on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18.

Four roads will be closed during the festival to make sure the event is safe, as numbers are expected to increase significantly from last year.

Lee Lane, from its junction with Winter Hey Lane to The Crown roundabout, Winter Hey Lane and Chorley New Road, between Scholes Bank and Winter Hey Lane, will be shut on Saturday from 2pm to 11pm and on Sunday from 8am to 6pm.

Church Street will also close for around 20 minutes at approximately 10.45am and 12.20pm from Horwich Leisure Centre to Longworth Road.

President of the Festival, Barbara Ronson, said: “I am thrilled that we are again able to run events on the Saturday afternoon and evening 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.”

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

Businesses on the Pearl Brook industrial estate can access the site from Chorley New Road and car parks on St John’s Street will also be closed for the weekend. Bolton Council cabinet member for culture Cllr John Byrne said: “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.”

Anyone who wants to enter the festival should go to horwichfestivalofracing.co.uk and full details of road closures can be viewed at bolton.gov.uk/trafficorders