ON-street parking will be banned in many parts of West Somerset when the Olympic torch comes to the district on May 21.

But the restrictions will be partly off-set by a West Somerset Council decision to offer free parking in the majority of its car parks to celebrate the historic event.

Residents are being urged to plan ahead to avoid being caught out by the temporary parking restrictions.

And council leader Cllr Tim Taylor advised people planning to cheer on the torchbearers to leave plenty of time for their journeys.

"This is a truly unique opportunity to see the legendary flame in stunning scenery and enjoy the area's great community spirit," he said.

"We want to support residents, visitors and traders on this very special day, so we are arranging free car parking in our car parks closest to the route.

"We encourage people to come together to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, where we can all welcome the torchbearers to West Somerset and cheer them on their journey."

Free parking will be available on Monday May 21 at the following West Somerset Council-owned car parks:

l Doverhay and Porlock Central car parks in Porlock.

l Alexandra Road, Clanville and North Road car parks in Minehead.

l Dunster Steep and Park Street car parks in Dunster.

l Killick Way car park in Williton.

Other free parking along the route will include the Sparkhayes campsite in Porlock, the field alongside Chris' Crackers junk shop in Carhampton and Carhampton Village Hall car park, together with Cleeve Abbey and Washford Mill in Washford.

Pay and display car parking will still be in force in Summerland Road, along the sea front, Quay West and the station car park in Minehead.

A spokesman for West Somerset Council said residents and businesses affected by the temporary parking restrictions had been sent letters informing them of the arrangements.

Areas where parking or waiting is being prohibited will be clearly marked with 'Police No Waiting' cones or safety barriers.

These will be put in place from mid-morning on Sunday May 20 and then rigourously enforced from 7.30am to 6pm on Monday May 21.

The restrictions include:

l Porlock - Redway, on the left-hand side of the road going down the hill and no parking on either side for the length of Porlock High Street.

l Minehead - the lower section of Porlock Road, The Parks, Park Street, Friday Street and Townsend Road.

l Dunster - along the left-hand side of the road when approaching the castle from the Luttrell Arms. Parking on the Yarn Market side will be unaffected, although traffic will not be permitted to move during the period the road is closed for the torchbearers.

l Washford - the on-street parking between the Washford Inn and the bus stop on the left-hand side from the Minehead end of the village.

l Williton - from the Minehead end of the village all parking to the left outside Gliddons shop will have safety barriers for crowd control, while there will be cones on both sides of Tower Hill from the roundabout to the junction with Sampford Brett.

Cllr Taylor added: "In order that people can enjoy the day as safely as possible, the traffic restrictions should be respected.

"However, we also hope our free parking areas will help alleviate any issues and help people make the most of this momentous event.

"People travelling from surrounding villages are asked to consider car sharing if public transport is not available.

"Also, as roads will be busy directly before and after the event, people may like to arrive early to enjoy some shopping or sightseeing and stay for a meal afterwards."

A convoy of eight vehicles will travel approximately five minutes ahead of the torchbearers, with the relay route through West Somerset scheduled to reach Porlock at around 3.45pm.

The torchbearers will start the descent of the lower reaches of Porlock Hill at Redway and from there carry the flame along Porlock High Street and up the hill to the junction with Bossington.

The torch should reach the top of Porlock Road heading into Minehead at approximately 4pm, where it will be carried via The Parks to Park Street, along Friday Street and into Townsend Road before heading up Alcombe Road and out along Bircham Road to Ellicombe Roundabout.

The flame will reach Dunster Steep at around 4.40pm, starting from below the car park, running past the Yarn Market and up the main road to Dunster Castle.

It is due in Carhampton at approximately 5.10pm, where the torchbearers will enter the village along the main road until the Blue Anchor Bay junction.

The torch should reach Washford at 5.20pm by the Washford Railway Station/Washford Inn before proceeding along Station Road through to Langtry County House.

The convoy is due in Williton at 5.30pm, with the torchbearers entering the village at Priest Street, along to the roundabout and up Tower Hill to the junction for Sampford Brett.

More information and updates on the Olympic torch Route in West Somerset will be posted on the council's website at http://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/olympic-torch-relay">www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/olympic-torch-relay.