RESIDENTS will be trapped for hours and businesses will miss out on late summer trade if a massive cycle event is allowed to pass through Teesdale and Weardale, worried residents say.
Protests are being made about Durham County Council’s decision to co-host a cycling event in September. The 100-mile route will take an estimated 5,000 riders through spectacular scenery of the North Pennines. Roads will have to be closed but council chiefs say it could bring in 40,000 visitors to the county and boost the economy by £2.7million.
The date and exact route have not been revealed but members of Middleton-in-Teesdale Parish Council believe it is likely to pass through Teesdale.
Similar races put on by the organisers, CSM Active, elsewhere in the UK have led to roads being shut for several hours – in some villages and towns as long as from 8.15am to 7pm. In the Birmingham area last year, householders said they were trapped in their homes all day and businesses claimed they had lost trade.
Another mass participation race organised by CSM Active in Sussex led to similar complaints last year with “thousands” of residents left fuming, according to campaigners.
These points were raised at this month’s meeting of Middleton-in-Teesdale Parish Council. Resident Alan Thompson said: “How does this benefit the majority o
f ratepayers in County Durham?
“When it was held in Birmingham, protests were made and the police had to intervene. Even the cyclists are saying that by closing the roads, the sport isn’t doing itself any good.
“Can you imagine the impact of having our roads closed between 5am and 7pm? What about medical emergencies?”
Mr Thompson also feared a clash with agricultural shows in Teesdale and Weardale which take place in September. Previous complaints have been made about other cycle events in Teesdale including Etape Pennines in 2014, when farmers and residents said road closures would harm tourism and disrupt haymaking. Mr Thompson told the meeting that CSM Active often claims 15,000 people will take part in its events but in reality the number is much smaller
He added that major races in Yorkshire have had road closures that last 15 to 20 minutes because the cyclists are professionals and were grouped close together.
“Here they will be coming through all day. We would be trapped all day,” Mr Thompson said.
Cllr John Miller said the Etape event, which was eventually scrapped because of a lack of interest, only attracted a few hundred riders.
Parish chairman Cllr Andy Mitchell said the parish council had been in talks with county councillors and expected more details of the race soon.
But he added: “Until we know for definite it’s difficult for us to debate it. But it
doesn’t seem as large as the events in North Yorkshire which get spectators that line the streets and spend money in the cafes.”
Cllr Christine Gilbert said cafes in Teesdale lost money the last time big cycle events were held in the dale.
Cllr Bob Danby added: “It is going to be all day, that’s going to be ludicrous.”
Cllr Adam Hearn said: “It’s difficult to see how they can have this race in County Durham and for it not to come through Teesdale and Weardale.”
More details were expected to be released this week by CSM Active, which declined to comment on the concerns until the official launch.
Steve Howell, head of culture and sport at Durham County Council, said: “Vélo North is a celebration of cycling and an opportunity to inspire people to lead a more active lifestyle. Similar events elsewhere in the country have boosted the local economy by up to £2.7million, attracting thousands of people and showcasing the area to a new audience. The event will also provide a significant charity fundraising platform, helping to raise vital funds for a number of local and national charities. We are working closely with the organisers to finalise the route and are very mindful of feedback from communities. Other events taking place in the county around this time have also been taken into account.
“Once the route is finalised, a robust business and resident communication programme will be implemented which will help minimise any potential disruption for individuals and communities on the day."
