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Path completed ahead of Guild cycle festival
route: The 21-mile Guild Wheel route is close to completion ahead of a celebration weekend in August
A path has now been laid all the way round a 21-mile cycle route which is due to be opened in two months’ time.
Organisers behind the Guild Wheel cycle path have achieved a ‘landmark moment’ having finished laying a track around the entire route.
They are now working on the final stages of the project, including toucan crossings, line painting and signage.
Alan Waters, Lancashire County Council Guild Wheel project manager, said: “We have completed the last section which is from Preston Crematorium to Red Scar Wood. We have now completed that section so we have a full surface route but it was a milestone achieved.
“It is cyclable all the way round, it is a good achievement.”
Teams of engineers are now focusing on the finishing touches ahead of an official opening weekend on the weekend of August 18 and 19.
He said: “There are three main areas of work going on at the moment. A toucan crossing on Tag Lane and another one on Longridge Road at the entrance to the cemetery.They are both busy roads and difficult to cross, so toucan crossings make it much safer for cyclists to get across these routes.
“And another section is the bridge over the M55 at Lightfoot Green Lane. We are raising the parapets of the bridge to 1.5 metres high so they can be used by cyclists to take them off the road.”
Meanwhile, Preston Council has unveiled plans for a two-day offical launch celebration, with running, cycling and bicycle ballet on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday 19.
On Saturday runners will be able to take part in a series of informal runs or walks on the wheel. Runners stepping up their training are invited to run a full loop, while people can also choose to run or walk shorter distances. Participants can register for £5 and receive a Guild Wheel Opening Medal.
On Sunday an official opening event will take place with a series of charity rides around the whole wheel and shorter rides around Avenham Park and Brockholes Nature Reserve.
It costs £5 to register and all proceeds will go to St Catherine’s Hospice.
Avenham Park will also host a celebration day on Sunday, including a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11.30am, along with cycle stunts, information stalls taster opportunities and bicycle repair experts.
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Weather for Preston
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 16 C
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