Resident's anger at race road closures

Dorset County Council has placedsigns warning about road closures from 7am-2pm for athletes taking part in the Sherborne-based Half Ironman race on Sunday as they cycle 56 miles from Sherborne, turning through through Charlton Down.

Vincent Haslam, 69, of Deverel Road, complained about organisers' "grandiose ideas of their own importance" and "dictatorial attitude" in not considering the inconvenience caused to people who need to use the roads.

He said: "The cheek of the organisers in forcing everybody who does not want to watch this race to stay at home is hardly going to endear them to the public in general.

"A little politeness or a notice explaining why the road has to be closed would go a long way to get support.. I can understand that they have to do this but I don't like the 'we- make-the-rules' attitude.

"Our only access road in Charlton Down will be a no-go area - it's like saying there is no point in coming to see the people of Charlton Down on Sunday.

"Surely somebody should al least have said 'we apologise for the inconvenience'?"

Head of highways and transportation for Dorset County Council Mike White said: "Obviously as far as possible we want to avoid causing inconvenience to residents.

"But it's a question of balancing the benefits to the economy and tourism with the impact it has on the local community.

"We would like to apologise that we have caused these concerns and are confident the roads will be back in use by 12.30pm, allowing for stragglers."

And other residents support the triathlon - like village hall trustee Val Gillard, of Strodes Lane, who said: "It is all well sign-posted and we are not being confined to Charlton Down by this event."

The district council says that residents will not be prevented from getting in and out.

People living along the route can contact the district highway engineer, Kevin Cheleda, on 01305 225400 for information.