Ellie Simmonds' open top bus tour route revealed
Crowds will line the pavements in honour of swimming sensation Ellie Simmonds after formal arrangements for her open top bus tour were announced today.
The double gold medal-winner will start Monday's celebration at the Aldridge postbox which has been painted in her honour at 12.10pm. She will then go to her former primary Cooper & Jordan C of E School to officially open its re-named swimming pool.
The 17-year-old, who became the darling of the Paralympic Games picking up two golds, a silver and a bronze medal, will board an open top bus at around 12.30pm and travel down Anchor Road and on to Walsall Road.
It will then head along Aldridge Road and arrive into Walsall through Lichfield Street at the Arboretum.
The swimming star from Aldridge will arrive at Walsall Town Hall at between 12.45-1pm, where she will spend a short time outside waving to the crowds.
She will then go into the town hall for a question and answer session with invited schools and youngsters.
Mayor councillor Dennis Anson, said: "Next week's celebrations have been planned in keeping with Ellie's wishes and people will have plenty of opportunities to cheer one of our brightest stars.
"Ellie wanted to make sure her home village of Aldridge was included in this event and wanted to involve her former school and we have been delighted to do so.
"Residents will be able to see her at a number of points along her journey before she gets off the open top bus in Lichfield Street where she will spend a bit of time waving to the crowds.
"This will give people chance to take photos and catch sight of one of the most popular competitors in this year's Paralympic Games.
"I'm sure Walsall will turn out in force to celebrate this remarkable young lady and her fantastic achievements."
Road closures will be in place during the celebration. Anchor Road in Aldridge will be shut to traffic from 12.15-12.45pm and High Street from 11.45am t0 12.30pm with parking restrictions in place throughout the morning.
Lichfield Street will be closed from Walsall Arboretum to Bridge Street from 12.15-1.30pm. Parking in Lichfield Street and Tower Street will also be suspended throughout the morning until 1.30pm.
