ORGANISERS of a cycle event which will “maroon” residents around the Rother Valley are saddling up for a tricky week as the big day approaches.
Residents affected by Velo South have launched a legal challenge against West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and its blanket road closure proposals for September 23.
They believe WSCC failed to follow the correct procedures and legal requirements in giving its blessing to the event and its road closure programme.
Velo South is a new closed-road cycling event that will see 15,000 people attempt a 100-mile circular route around the county.
Organisers believe it will give a massive boost to the county’s tourism while treating participants to an “unforgettable journey on closed roads through spectacular scenery”.
They also insist they have been working closely with local government and the emergency services to mitigate potential issues caused by road closures that are “necessary to ensure the safety of cyclists”.
But the impact and perceived lack of consultation about the event has angered many residents with people in Milland, Rogate, Nyewood and Harting facing nine-hour road closures.
The Velo South also led to the cancellation of the Petersfield Triathlon and other events in the area while the outcry even prompted an article and satirical cartoon in an edition of Private Eye magazine.
A spokesman for WSCC confirmed that the council has received a letter from lawyers, as instructed by residents, making a number of claims about the arrangements for road closures.
It has promised consideration and a full response, but WSCC cannot comment further due to the legal process.