AS preparations get underway for Tavistock to host the fifth stage of the Tour of Britain, police have now confirmed road closures for the two-day event.

Tavy Tour Party will take place on the evening of Tuesday September 14, with family orientated events running from 4pm to 11pm, and on the morning of Wednesday September 15, with various activities to support the start of the race.

Road closures will be in effect from 2pm on Tuesday September 14, until 2pm on Wednesday September 15 and signs will be in place for two weeks prior to the event to minimise traffic disruptions.

The main focus of activity will be in Bedford Square. Plymouth Road will be closed from Bedford Square to Canal Road — opposite the bus station. Abbey Place and Bedford Square, from the post office to the mini roundabout between HSBC and Lloyds TSB, will also be closed.

A one way traffic system will operate around the town, circulating down West Street to the town centre, with Russell Street closed off to prevent traffic entering the flow, and through the main shopping streets past Somerfield where normal rules will resume. Traffic from the Okehampton direction will go around the town via the Whitchurch Road and Pixon Lane.

There will also be brief disruptions to other roads on the Wednesday as the race sets off. Competitors will depart from Bedford Square at 10am, cycle down Duke Street, Brook Street and cross Vigo Bridge onto the A386 towards Okehampton turning onto Mount Tavy Road towards Princetown.

In a letter to Tavistock residents, Sgt Dave Anning said: 'If you normally park in the road we request that you find alternative parking for the 24 hour period. The restrictions are legally enforceable and infringements may be dealt with by Fixed Penalty Notice and/or by the towing away of vehicles.'