An Olveston man has said that the potential return of a cycle race tarnished by a 2013 fatality would cause numerous problems for the area.

Graham Clark, 74, has lived in Tockington and Olveston for more than 30 years and believes that residents will be hugely impacted by the event.

The Severn Bridge Cycle Race used to run annually throughout the villages up until 2013.

The event then moved location after a serious incident involving a cyclist and a car resulted in a fatality.

“I just don’t think that this kind of race is suitable for the area,” Graham explained.

“It is quite a disruptive event for us all as residents. They close off the roads for a long time so residents will be put out by it.”

Graham has placed a petition against the race for residents to sign in the Olveston Post Office, so far it has received over 100 signatures.

“I want to make it clear that I don’t want them to stop racing, I just think that the event is more suited to other areas,” Graham continued.

“The infrastructure is not suitable for the road that the event is planned for.

“These are top level cyclists, they are really fit people and they go way faster than the speed limits for cars.”

The planned route would see riders take on an 8-lap circuit in the area including going through Olveston, Tockington and past Marlwood School in Alveston.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “As far as we are aware there has only been one objection to the race and the concerns raised – and any others that are received – will be listened to by the organisers and the police - as the reviewing body.

“The race is still in the planning stages but has now been risk assessed by British Cycling. Once this risk assessment is received by our force liaison officer, it will be fully scrutinised before any sign-off takes place.”

“Conditions have already been set for any future risk assessment, which will change the format of this race, from its previous format.

“The race is organised at the highest level with the safety of those competing and the wider general public paramount.

“Concern has been expressed about a fatal accident, which had occurred in 2013. There is no evidence to suggest the route, the organiser/organisation or British Cycling played any part in contributing to this incident.”

The proposed race is due to take place in March 2020, with organisers due to meet with residents to discuss concerns at Tockington Parish Hall on November 5.