The anger that blighted last year”s Etape Caledonia cycle race could be repeated next weekend if police fail to take account of protesters” concerns, it has been warned.
Thousands of cyclists will come to Highland Perthshire for the fourth annual closed-roads race on May 16.
Last year’s run was disrupted by a saboteur who scattered carpet tacks along the route, puncturing hundreds of tyres.
Campaign group Anti-Closed Roads Events (ACRE) has vociferously opposed the event since its inception, claiming it interferes with local life and causes lasting economic damage in the area.
Its spokesman, local businessman Peter Hounam, has written to Tayside Police Chief Constable Justine Curran to outline a catalogue of concerns.
“ACRE’s stance has been assiduously within the law and it has encouraged only legal means of protest,” he said. “As such it has attracted considerable support from the locally affected communities and, in turn, has suffered abuse and threats from some supporters of the event.
“Our organisation believes that even though this event is now in its fourth year, the issue is still a live one. In fact, the divisions and resentments continue and grow. In the interests of maintaining public order and perhaps avoiding an outrage like the attack on the event last year, ACRE urges your consideration of the following points.”
The letter goes on to list complaints about litter, public disorder and road safety, both during and leading up to the race, with hundreds of cyclists training on the route.
It also poses questions on the legality of the event and the necessary closure of miles of Perthshire roads which, it is claimed, effectively leaves residents locked in their homes throughout the weekend.Meeting requestedA community policeman has been detailed to meet public concern but the group has asked for a meeting with Ms Curran.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Tayside Police said, “We received a letter from ACRE and this has been forwarded to the inspector responsible for policing the area.
“He will be in contact with the group with a view to discussing matters further.
“A significant amount of community consultation has taken place in relation to the event and that is something we will continue to do through our dedicated community liaison officer, Sergeant Dave Patton, along with our colleagues at Perth and Kinross Council and the race organisers.”
Residents can call Sergeant Patton on 07891 999825 to discuss community issues surrounding the Etape.
Event director Jon Hazan of IMG said, “We realise there remains a handful of local protesters who continue to raise objections. Safety is our primary concern, for the cyclists and residents. It would be highly dangerous to run this event on open roads and we will not compromise our stance on safety.”