DRIVERS are being warned to stay out of Bury on Tuesday (July 23) when the Queen's Jubilee Baton comes to town.

Town centre roads will be closed during the evening rush hour as the hi-tech baton passes through on its way to the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

Commuters are also urged to avoid the Rochdale Road area and Junction 2 of the M66 between 5.15pm-5.45pm.

Spectators are welcome, though! The flashing baton will be brought by vehicle convoy from Bolton to the centre of Bury, and handed over to local people who have been nominated for their services to others.

They will carry the baton, in relays of 500 metres, along Angouleme Way, down Rochdale Road to Heap Bridge and over the border to Heywood and Rochdale.

The best places to stand and cheer will be on Angouleme Way between the Traffic lights at Haymarket/Knowsley Street and the lights at Market Street on the bus station side of the road.

Alternatively, viewers can stand on the north side of Rochdale Road, all the way from the Halfords store to the Rochdale boundary.

Baton route:

5.14pm: vehicle convoy arrives in the borough from Bolton, travelling along Bury Road and then Bolton Road towards the town centre.

5.18pm: passes the Jolly Carters pub.

5.22pm: change over to runners on Angouleme Way.

5.24pm: Angouleme Way, junction with Haymarket Street.

5.29pm: onto Rochdale Road.

5.32pm: junction of Rochdale Road/York Street.

5.39pm: Heap Bridge.

5.41pm: depart the borough for Heywood.

Organisers urge motorists to stay clear of Bury centre at those times. Those using the motorway should use junctions 1 or 3 at Pilsworth and Ramsbottom.

Councillor John Byrne, council leader, said: "This a chance to say a big "thank you" to all those people who act as an inspiration to us all, serve their community, family or friends without any hesitation, or tackle life's hardships without complaining."

Traffic problems will also hit Prestwich, which hosts the lawn bowls tournament in Heaton Park.

For the duration of the Games, a park and ride scheme for 4,000 cars will operate in the park between 8am and midnight.

Cars will use the Sheepfoot Lane entrance, but all drivers travelling anywhere near the park are warned to expect congestion. The bowls competitions run from July 26 to August 3, starting at 9am each day.

Visitors should enter the park from Bury Old Road, either at School Lodge or the entrance opposite Heaton Park Metrolink station. The entrance on St Margaret's Road is reserved for players, officials and some disabled access. Tickets are £5 for a full day, available from Bury's Tourist Information Centre on 253 5111.