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Bid for Olympic torch relay to visit region
HOPES are burning bright that the Olympic torch will blaze across the south on its way to London for the 2012 games.
More than 50 councils and voluntary organisations from across the south east have applied to be part of the relay which will lead up to the opening of the historic games.
One possible stretch of the route will take in the A27 across Fareham borough between Portsmouth and Southampton.
But details of the exact route for the 70-day relay are not expected to be revealed until next year.
Councillor Lee Hunt, in charge of culture and sports matters for Portsmouth City Council, said: 'We're lobbying very hard for the relay to pass through the city and we hope the fact we already have the BBC screen is a positive indication it will come here.'
Applications have been made to the South East England Development Agency which is co-ordinating bids for the region with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Cllr Hunt added: 'At the moment we don't know where it is going or how many places it will visit, but it would make an impressive sight going through our streets.
'We wish to support Fareham and Southampton in any we can, this is a regional thing.
'We aren't in competition with them on this - we are all in this together.'
Cllr Connie Hockley, in charge of community matters for Fareham Borough Council, said: 'It would be brilliant if it did come through Fareham and we have made the application for it to do so.
'If we get the opportunity to be involved then we will of course grab it with both hands.'
The flame will arrive in Britain on May 18 2012 and arrive in London the weekend before the start of the Games on July 27.
London 2012 chiefs have said they want the torch to draw people in to the games as well as highlight Britain's natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said: 'We will be working closely with villages, towns and cities the length and breadth of the UK to ensure that as each community welcomes the Olympic flame, they do so in a way that is unique and special to their area.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -4 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
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