PLANS for the Olympic torch to pass through the Selby region have been released, to some criticism from one local councillor.

The torch is due to pass through the Selby district on June 19 next year, as part of a countrywide tour in the build-up to the London Olympics next summer.

Information from Selby District Council has stated it will pass through Camblesforth, Selby town centre, Monk Fryston, Barkston Ash and Tadcaster in “torch mode” – meaning runners will carry the lit torch on foot through the areas, and will take about 15 minutes to pass each point.

Full details of the journey, and other information about the day have not yet been released.

The council is on the lookout for local residents to join in with the celebration and organisation, including marshalling, traffic management, and community activities with the council’s Community Engagement Forums (CEFs).

Drew Fussey, the council’s Olympic torch co-ordinator, said: “The torch coming through the district is seen as a fantastic opportunity to get more people involved in sport and cultural events locally.

“Recognising that organising a significant event on the day will be difficult, a district-wide event is being co-ordinated with Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT), and the CEFs for the weekend of June 23 and 24.”

The rest of the two-hour journey will be completed in “convoy mode”, which means the lit torch will be carried in one of the 15 vehicles in convoy with the flame, but one district councillor said he was disappointed the convoy would not pass through his ward.

Coun Bob Packham, who is also chairman of Sherburn-in-Elmet Parish Council, said: “Why no Sherburn or South Milford? Why drive around the by-pass avoiding the three primary and secondary schools at Sherburn and South Milford and 9,000 residents?

“I’ve spoken to a lot of people about this who all feel it should go through Sherburn and South Milford. I’ve already started emailing all the schools and have some support, and hope it will be discussed at the next meeting of the county wide torch group in December.”