THE Olympic torch is likely to pass through Cheshire in the build-up to the 2012 games, according to Cheshire Chief Constable David Whatton.

The constabulary is planning for the likely impact of London 2012 mainly because it will be called upon to provide assistance as part of the national policing plan.

Mr Whatton’s report to the police authority says Olympic celebrations will gather pace after the Olympic torch arrives in the UK on May 18, 2012.

Eight thousand torchbearers will carry the flame on a journey through the UK which will last more than 70 days. Large scale events will mark the flame’s arrival at various venues along the route.

Mr Whatton said: “Cheshire East, West and Warrington have made a bid for the Olympic torch relay to go through their areas and it is anticipated that the torch relay will at some point be in Cheshire.”

Mr Whatton said forces in areas hosting official venue sites will have a greater focus on operational planning but there were no anticipated official venues in Cheshire.

A national shortfall of 90 firearms close protection officers has been identified for the Olympics and extra training courses have been allocated, with Cheshire being offered an additional three places.

It is also anticipated the regional underwater search team will need to supply a team to London and the sailing venue in Dorset.

Mr Whatton added: “The National Policing Plan to support the Olympic Games is set against a counter-terrorist threat level of severe.

“This was highlighted by the events in London on 7 July 2005 which was the day after receipt of official notification that UK would host the 2012 Olympic Games.”