A PUB owner has vowed to disrupt a triathlon cycle race in protest at an eight-hour road closure which could cost him thousands of pounds in takings.
Bill Bryce, landlord of The Old School House, in Ockley, said he stood to lose as much as £2,000 when the Vachery Triathlon comes through Mole Valley on July 21. The 60-year-old, who has run the Stane Street pub for 21 years, told the Advertiser it was cash he could ill afford to lose in the current economic climate.
"My business and many others in the area of Forest Green, Rudgwick, Ockley and Holmbury will effectively be cut off from staff and customers between 6am and 2pm on that day," he said. "Sunday is the only day of the week when we can predict decent trading.
"The organisers stand to make a lot of money from this event, whilst we stand to make losses and our staff stand to lose a day's wages. It will be impossible for them or customers to get to us."
The 80km cycling section of the race, which also includes a 1.9k lake swim and 21k run, starts and ends in Cranleigh.
It will visit Ockley, Abinger Common, Holmbury St Mary and Forest Green on a circular route.
Mr Bryce said Surrey County Council had not consulted residents before agreeing the route – and its road closures – on behalf of race organiser Brave Events.
The father of two, who has complained to Mole Valley MP Sir Paul Beresford, said a protest was being planned which could see pedestrians block the route or display banners.
Joy Ridley, spokeswoman for the county council, explained that the authority had agreed to the event as it had been estimated it would pump £1 million into the area's economy.
She added: "Unfortunately some roads do have to be closed, in the interests of the safety of residents and competitors, but we are working with the organisers to ensure that closures are kept to an absolute minimum.
"We have insisted (Brave Events) consult with residents and businesses so that everything possible can be done to minimise the impact on local people."
Race director Mark Davis added: "We work very closely with the local communities to understand how we can minimise the disruption to residents and businesses. We have sent a newsletter to every household and business inviting feedback.
"We have engaged directly with everyone who has contacted us and we will continue to listen to the community as their feedback has been invaluable. We have already provided practical solutions and will continue to do so between now and July 21."
Brave Events is holding an open meeting at Forest Green village hall tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm.
