THE organiser of a triathlon that took place at the Cotswold Water Park recently, has refuted claims by South Cerney Parish Council that the event was badly organised.

Councillors voiced a number of concerns following the Cotswold 226 event on August 10, which finished in South Cerney, and said they would have reservations about the race taking place there again.

Among the concerns were bad traffic congestion and too few stewards on the Spine Road.

Other worries included a claim that children were acting as stewards without high visibility vests.

A service at the United Church in the village was also disturbed as no-one had been informed about the triathlon.

But Graeme Hardie, the Cotswold 226 organiser, said the criticisms were inaccurate and unfair.

“Since the event, we have had continued dialogue with the parish council and are hopefully en route to what I sincerely hope can be a more healthy relationship for next years event,” he said.

He said both crossings on the Spine Road had a police officer, a police car with its lights on, a large event 4x4 vehicle with its lights on and four marshals wearing high visibility clothing and head torches.

Mr Hardie said children on the course were not given any responsibilities other than to cheer on or give out drinks and food.

He said he had apologised to United church representatives for the disturbance.

“In the days running up to the event, we knocked on every door on the direct run course and explained what the race was and that it was going to be running, as well as leaving an info pack and some supporter information. I’m not sure how, but the church may have been missed.”