CONSULTATION WITH the local community has brought about several key changes to the controversial Highland Perthshire closed-road cycle event, which is set to return for a second year this summer.

On Wednesday Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee will hear detailed proposals for Etape Caledonia and will be asked to give it the official go-ahead, following a decision to give it approval in principle at a meeting in November.

That agreement was subject to assurances being given that the negative impact experienced by some members of the community during last year’s event could be minimised.

A report to the committee will say that the proposed event, which will run over 81 miles of closed roads in Highland Perthshire, has been moulded by the opinions of residents and local businesses.

Changes from 2007 include—

*The event will be held on Sunday, which is earlier than last year.

*The length of time that each section of road is closed will be shortened considerably.

*The shorter 28-mile course which was incorporated into last year’s event has been removed from the event.

*The average speed required by participants has been raised to ensure that road closures are kept short.

These changes have been made in direct response to community feedback to the council and the event organiser, SBI Ltd, since the last Etape.

In the wake of last year’s event an independent economic impact assessment was carried out.

Despite generally positive results it found that 39% of businesses surveyed reported negative impact on the day. There was also some concern from residents about road closures.

The consultation process included the formation of a steering group made up of representatives from community councils, tourism associations, churches, farmers, businesses, Perth and Kinross Council and the event organiser.

Committee convener, Councillor John Kellas, said, “Consultation is ongoing and will continue right up until the event.

“The clear message from the consultation process so far is that, overall, local businesses are supportive of the event.

“There are several businesses who remain totally opposed to road closures—this amounts to some 2% of businesses in Highland Perthshire.

“Local residents and community groups are also broadly in favour of the event and have contributed positively to the consultation process. This has allowed us to tailor the proposed 2008 event to better suit their needs.

“There is still a group of people who are steadfast in their opposition to a closed-road event, and the committee will also be made fully aware of their concerns before a decision is made.

“The fact that this is a closed-road event is what makes it such an attractive proposition to cyclists.

“The organiser would have real difficulty attracting the level of participation if the Etape was not run on closed roads, and indeed it is very doubtful whether the police would allow it because of safety considerations.

“This is why we believe that a closed-road event is the only option.”

Mr Kellas believes this year’s event will cause a minimum of disruption.

He added, “Roads will re-open in stages once the main body of cyclists have passed through.

“On average most roads will be closed between two and three hours in the early part of the day. Planned road closures have been publicised much earlier than they were last year.

“Staging the Etape can be hugely beneficial to the local economy and can really put Perth and Kinross on the map.

“However, it is vital that we continue to work with local communities. The Etape needs the support of local people if it is to successfully evolve.”