Kirklees Council says 170 roads will be closed during the Tour de France.

Main roads and link roads will be out of bounds when the world’s greatest cycle race comes to town on July 6.

Many are expected to be shut from the early hours of that Sunday until late in the afternoon.

But there is expected to be enormous commercial benefits to hundreds of businesses and traders, with Huddersfield expected to see spending totalling £2m.

Kirklees Cabinet members will hear more of the plans when they meet on Tuesday.

Clr David Sheard, council leader, said: “There is a huge amount of work going on to ensure that the district benefits fully from the opportunity we have with the Tour coming through Kirklees.

“There will be disruption on the weekend but we are working to ensure that we welcome the thousands of visitors we are expecting, while making sure residents and businesses have the information they need to make their own plans.”

The race will enter Kirklees at Ainley Top and leave from Holme Moss, with more than 200 cyclists, support vehicles and a publicity caravan part of the cavalcade.

Prior to the Huddersfield leg the world’s best riders will race through Calderdale.

In a bid to accommodate the expected visitors and spectators, 40 temporary camping businesses and 28 temporary car park businesses have been formed.

The council says there will be commercial trading opportunities for 100 local businesses at the council’s Food and Drink markets in Huddersfield and Holmfirth, in addition to the existing businesses that are expecting a boost.

Work done so far has included 900 local businesses, with the council highlighting how they can tap into the commercial opportunities associated with the Tour.

Kirklees is spending £672,397 on the event, with a further £221,072 from the government. The council estimates the Grand Depart will boost the borough’s economy by £2m through visitor spend.

At the same time, the council has bid to host two official TDF Hubs - in Huddersfield and Holmfirth - bringing additional, but unconfirmed, financial and promotional support.

Clr Jean Calvert, Cabinet member for Communities, summed up: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us, and one of the major prizes is the legacy.

“The increased amount of participation, new clubs and cycling groups will lead to a lasting positive impact on local people’s health and participation in activity.”

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