15 May 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

Mid Sussex District Council is appealing for community minded residents to become volunteer marshals for the Olympic Torch Relay.

 The Olympic Torch will be coming to Copthorne and East Grinstead on Tuesday 17 July, providing the local community with the chance to see the Olympic Flame at close quarters. Mid Sussex District Council is looking for local people to volunteer their time to help ensure the safety of the public on the day.

The Olympic Flame has now started its journey from Greece and will arrive in the UK on 18 May, ready for the Olympic Torch Relay to begin the following day. Representing peace, unity and friendship, the Flame will pass through Mid Sussex just 10 days before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Council hopes that local people will be keen to be part of this momentous event and is

holding volunteer registration sessions at East Grinstead Library on Saturday 19 May and Saturday 26 May, between 10am and 4pm.

The volunteer marshals will help to:

direct pedestrians along safe routes

• monitor crowd movement and activity
• provide information about entrances, exits, routes, the location of toilets and first aid/lost children points
• support the work of the emergency services and Chief Marshals
• help with road closures
• marshal overspill car parks

Volunteer marshals must be over the age of 18 and physically fit enough to stand for an extended period of time. A good standard of health is important because volunteer marshals must be able to respond to an emergency, raise the alarm and take immediate action if required. All volunteers will need to be available from 7.30am until 12.30pm on Tuesday 17 July.

If it’s not possible for people to attend one of registration sessions, residents can express an interest in becoming a volunteer marshal by sending their name and telephone number to culture@midsussex.gov.uk or telephone 01444 477495.