THE centre of Minehead will be cordoned off for the day behind 1,000 safety barriers next Sunday (September 10).

Hundreds of cyclists will race through the town as part of a Festival of Wheels to mark the visit of the Flying Scotsman.

The kilometre-long route in the heart of the town – involving Blenheim Road, The Avenue and North Road – will be closed to traffic from dawn until 9pm for a series of cycle races which have attracted some of Britain’s best riders.

There will also be races for women, children and families which are expected to attract hundreds of entrants.

Organisers Minehead Events Group (MEG), Minehead Cycling Club and British Cycling are hoping that the event will be as successful as a similar one held 30 years ago.

Cycling club co-ordinator Paul Butcher said: “There are tight turns at the top of The Avenue and a speedy finishing run-in.

“Junior events, right down to under fives, senior races, and a community ride will give plenty to watch or participate in.

“The town’s younger element, on scooters, BMXs or skateboards, will be able to show their skills in the only window of opportunity they will have to use the empty roads safely.”

“The event has been a bit of a challenge to organise,” said Graham Sizer, of MEG.

“Crucially, we wanted to entice as many walking visitors as possible into the centre of the town who will be either visiting Butlin’s or in town for the Flying Scotsman.

“Competitors will have their own parking at West Somerset College and – working with the railway – extra edge-of-town car parks have been arranged. So, hopefully, our other car parks will cope.”

Cllr Richard Lillis, of the MEG, said: “We also needed to minimise residents’ inconvenience so an extra one-way vehicle lane for residents has been arranged in Blenheim Road,” said.

“Access to and from North Hill will be down Northfield Road and along the seafront. Normal access will not be affected up Holloway Street, Watery Lane, the Upper Parade and Bancks Street.”

The organisers said the day will centre around wheeled transport. “Most of the street entertainment will have this theme,” said Minehead Cycling Club chairman Neil Arnold.

“The energetic will be able to test themselves on static cycles against the clock. A Smoothie bike will be on Scrumdiddlyumtious forecourt.

“People can also make their own cycle painting or just watch BMX stunt rider, unicyclists and jugglers.”

MEG chairman Cllr Andrew Hadley said: “The town will be full of people who have come to see the Flying Scotsman – and we want to make it an even more special day for them.

“There will be something for everyone.”