Gridlock fear for bike show
A record attendance expected at the County Showground has sparked fears of traffic jams clogging up one of the main roads into Stafford this weekend.
Last year there were huge hold-ups on the A518 Weston Road when the annual Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show was staged.
Organisers expect more than the 30,000 who attended last autumn to flock to the showground on Saturday and Sunday.
They have been in talks with police over new traffic arrangements including opening up more car parking opposite the showground.
Improvements costing more than £100,000 have been carried out at the showground ahead of major events being staged this autumn including the 16th annual classic motorcycle event at which former world motorcycle racing champion "Fast Freddie" Spencer will be the guest of honour. It is expected to attract bike fans from all over the country.
The show brought traffic chaos on the A518 and surrounding roads over the two days last year. And huge tailbacks of visitors trying to get into other events at the showground have prompted action.
Nick Mowbray, exhibition manager from organisers Classic Bike Show, said they had gone to Staffordshire police with traffic arrangements for this year's event and they were happy with what was planned.
"The overspill car parks on the other side of Weston Road will be open both days. There should not be major hold ups," he said.
Mr Mowbray said advance ticket sales were up on 2008 and they expected to top last year's attendance. More than 1,000 classic bikes will be on display with 800 trade stands and 70 clubs represented.
Richard Williams, chief executive of Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, said £70,000 had been spent on resurfacing work on the showground roads and new perimeter fencing.
A further £40,000 had been invested in new cattle stalls ready for the society's showpiece second annual English Winter Fair on November 21 and 22.
Mr Williams said around 5,000 people were expected over that weekend.
"The show will be bigger with more cattle than at any other winter fair in the country.
"We are also expanding the agricultural machinery side into the Sandylands Centre this year.
"The Young Farmers' Clubs are also holding their national competitions at the fair this year which will bring in young people from all over the UK," he added.
The event will also include a big Christmas gift fair and admission will be £7 for adults and free for children under-16.
