Flames fear for Blackpool rally (From Blackpool Citizen)

Flames fear for Blackpool rally

12:01pm Tuesday 17th February 2009

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THE organisers of next weekend’s Legend Fires North West Stages Rally are on tenterhooks following the major fire in Blackpool Town centre on Sunday.

The blaze engulfed the Yates Wine Lodge and adjoining properties in Talbot Square, opposite the rally’s North Pier start ramp and stage start.

Worries are that road closures could add to the congestion caused by major road works around the vicinity of the Tower and cause havoc with the rally schedule.

Last year’s rally encountered traffic problems when the Riverdance truck ferry, ran aground in stormy weather, on the beach opposite the promenade stage finish close to Cleveleys.

As a result the stage had to be shortened and traffic congestion forced one stage to be cancelled.

“We’re not expecting this year’s incident to have anything like the same impact but we will be monitoring the situation and working closely with the Blackpool Council to try ensure everything goes to plan,” said a spokesman for the organisers, Motorsport North West.

This year’s rally starts on Friday evening with the first promenade stage due to start at 6.50pm. Saturday’s schedule sees competitors return to the promenade at 9am.

Spectators are advised to visit the event website www.nwstages.co.uk for updated information.

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