Row over bike event road closures

About 1,500 cyclists are expected to attend the event

Businesses and communities in Highland Perthshire have expressed anger that a cycle event which will close roads for several hours is going ahead.

More than 80 miles of road will be closed on Sunday for up to five hours while an expected 1,500 cyclists take part in the Etape Caledonia event.

But some hotels who have no alternative access said they would lose thousands of pounds as a result.

Perth and Kinross Council said it consulted businesses and communities.

The event, which covers 81 miles, begins and ends in the town of Pitlochry.

Ellie Edgell, manager of the Fortingall Hotel near Aberfeldy, said there was no alternative route into the hotel and they had lost three bookings already.

Many people felt it could have been handled better initially Rev Mark Drane

"The amount of income we will lose on Sunday, you're looking into thousands of pounds," she said.

"As well as the hotel bookings, we have lost 60 lunch covers and with the teas and coffees and cakes throughout the day, it will dramatically impact on our business."

Churches in the area also faced having to abandon services until the event organisers agreed to lay on transport to take congregations along the route.

Rev Mark Drane of Dull and Weem Church said: "Many people felt it could have been handled better initially.

"Its our Sunday School prize-giving on Sunday and we would have had to cancel that but thankfully now we're in the position where we can hold the service we had hoped and that we can worship together."

'Showcasing attractions'

Perth and Kinross Council, which imposed the road closures and gave permission for the event to go ahead, said it consulted fully with businesses and communities.

It believes most people in the area are supporting the event which it hopes will boost tourism.

Councillor John Kellas said: "The council had to decide in the first instance if the event could take place and there has been extensive consultation concerning a number of different groups over a period of months.

"Largely, I think, most people have seen most of their fears allayed."

Kevin Stewart, director of Etape Caledonia, added: "I believe that the event will bring significant benefits to the whole of Highland Perthshire, not just from the large number of people that will come to the area on the event weekend, but also through the event publicity showcasing the attractions the area has to offer year round.

"The economic benefits brought by events such as this are well documented and we believe that the advantages of hosting this event outweigh the loss of access to roads for a few hours on one day in the year."