RESIDENTS and traders in the centres of Clitheroe and Longridge have been invited to meetings to discuss the forthcoming Aviva Tour of Britain.

The meetings will take place in the Ribble Valley Borough Council Chamber in Church Street, Clitheroe, at 5.30pm today, and at Barnacre Road Primary School in Longridge, at 5pm tomorrow.

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The Tour of Britain is the UK’s largest free-to-spectate annual sporting event, attracting the largest attendance of any event in the UK.

Tens of thousands of cycling enthusiasts are expected to descend on East Lancashire on Monday, September 7, for Stage Two of the 2015 Aviva Tour of Britain.

Some of the world’s top cycling teams, including Olympic and Tour de France winners, will power through Ribble Valley, taking in much of the borough, including Longridge, on route to Colne.

The race will be broadcast internationally by 16 television channels across 139 territories.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stuart Hirst said: “The Tour of Britain attracts a huge following, as well as an international television audience, so is the ideal showcase for Ribble Valley’s many attractions.

"The event offers businesses and community organisations a fantastic chance to get involved, join in the festivities and take advantage of increased footfall on Tour day."

"We’re really excited the Tour of Britain is coming to Ribble Valley and hope everyone will get behind it, and help to make it a fantastic event."

According to an independent report, Tour of Britain host areas can expect an injection of over £2m into their economy.

People invited to attend the meetings will hear Ribble Valley Borough Council staff and Tour of Britain organisers explain the benefits of the event and highlight some of the implications in more detail.

Cllr Mary Robinson, the leader of Clitheroe Town Council, said: "It’s a great opportunity for the area."