A community liaison officer has been appointed in a bid to avoid disruption and sabotage at this year’s Etape Caledonia cycle challenge.
Last year’s event was thrown into chaos after a protester spread carpet tacks across almost five miles of road.
Despite that high-profile attempt at derailing the Etape, a record 4500 people have signed up for the 2010 event.
The cyclists will descend on Highland Perthshire on May 16 and Tayside Police are keen to ensure maximum consultation with the local community to address concerns and head off any problems.
There has always been vocal opposition from a small minority of residents to the staging of the UK’s only closed-road cycle event, which is held every year in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and other charities.
Increased security is expected for this year’s race as a result of the incidents last year, and there will be a high-profile police presence on the day.
Tayside Police are keen to see if opponents can be placated from the outset.
In order to provide assistance to residents before and during the event, the force has appointed Sergeant Dave Patton, who is based at Pitlochry police station, as a community liaison officer.
Over the next few weeks, Sergeant Patton will attend meetings to discuss road closures and diversions and to address any issues residents may have.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves,” he said.
“From a policing perspective, our priority is the safety and security of everyone involved.
“Anyone intent on disrupting the race can be assured that any criminal activity will not be tolerated and those involved will be dealt with accordingly.
“There will be a visible police presence at the event, along with a number of marshals and volunteers provided by the event organisers.
“I would encourage any local residents who have any issues they would like to discuss in the run up to the event to get in touch with me directly at Pitlochry police station.”
Surgeries to discuss community issues surrounding Etape will take place at Aberfeldy Police Office between 5pm and 8pm this Friday, at Pitlochry Police Office from 6-9pm next Monday and at the Kinloch Rannoch Police Office on Sunday, April 25, between 10am and 1pm.
The 81-mile Etape Caledonia will take place on traffic-free roads around Pitlochry, Tummel Bridge, Kinloch Rannoch, Schiehallion, Fortingall, Weem, Strathtay, Pitnacrae and Logierait.
For further information on the Etape event, visit www.EtapeCaledonia.co.uk or contact Mr Patton on 07891 999825.