A PROGRAMME of road closures has been announced in an East Lancashire market town for the return of its food festival after a three-year break because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ribble Valley Council has given details of the changes which include extra 'No Parking' zones.

The will affect the town centre in the run up to and during the Clitheroe Food Festival which takes place in Saturday July 30.

The programme of changes is:

● Wednesday, July 27, from 6pm – no parking in New Market Street from King Street;

● Thursday, July 28, from 2pm – New Market Street and the market car park closed until 8am on Sunday, July 31;

● Friday, July 29, from 6pm – no parking in New Market Street from Parson Lane;

● Saturday, July 30, from 6am – Castle Street, Market Place, King Street and King Lane closed until 8pm;

● Saturday, July 30, from 6am – access to Wellgate and York Street via Church Street only;

● Saturday, July 30, from 6am – access to Railway View Avenue for health centre visitors and residents only;

● Saturday, July 30, from 6am – Council Offices car park closed to all but blue badge holders and stallholder vehicles; and

● Saturday, July 30, from 6am – no parking on the right side of Waddington Road between the railway bridge and cemetery, on the left side of Eshton Terrace between Woone Lane and the railway crossing, on the right side of Pendle Road between Hayhurst Street and the mini-roundabout and on the single yellow line in Railway View Road between the interchange and Waddington Road junction

Motorists, including blue badge holders, are advised that vehicles parking in prohibited areas will be reported to the police and risk being towed away.

A large park and ride will be in operation at Clitheroe Auction Market for £5 per vehicle (cash only) and the drop-off and pick-up point is at the Clitheroe Interchange, a short distance from the festival.

Ricky Newmark, chairman of Ribble Valley Council’s community services committee, said: “We have created a strong narrative around food over the years and are delighted that the festival is to make a welcome return and provide vital support to food local businesses as we move into the post-pandemic period.

“Festivalgoers can expect top-quality artisan produce, as well as cuisine from further afield, a feast of entertainment and most importantly a warm Ribble Valley welcome.

“It is not an easy task organising an event of this size and I would like to thank residents and festivalgoers for their assistance and understanding in supporting and adhering to the road closures and parking restrictions.”