The Paralympic Torch is coming to Newham tonight

London 2012: Paralympic Torch Relay delay update

Pat Coughtrey , News Editor Wednesday, August 29, 2012
6:13 PM

Areas of Newham to miss out on seeing the iconic Flame because of long delay

Locog confirmed moments ago that the Paralympic Torch Relay has been cut from parts of Newham

including all of the Barking Road from East Ham to Plaistow due to a two hour delay.

Newham Council blamed it on the earlier wet weather but Locog said the overrunning of the Torch lighting ceremony today at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and that relay teams have been difficult to manage bunches of five bearers through London played their part.

“We are obviously making adjustments to meet our deadline when the Torch will enter the stadium at Stratford for the official lighting of the cauldron at 10pm tonight,” said a spokesman.

Those arrangements include ferrying the torch through the start of its journey through Newham by a vehicle to Plaistow Tube Station where it is planned the relay will restart on the road with torchbearers, perhaps larger numbers than planned.

It will travel to Stratford Park in West Ham Lane where, say the Council, residents will have the chance to meet Paralympic Torchbearers and take photos. Olympic medallist Mark Hunter MBE and Mayor Sir Robin Wales will welcome the flame.

Live coverage of the Paralympic Opening Ceremony will be shown live on giant live screens at Stratford Park and Central Park, East Ham from 8pm,

Entertainment at Stratford Park this evening includes sporting activity, music, children’s entertainment, food outlets and a licensed bar.