BRADFORD on Avon’s September bike festival has been cancelled, because of the impact on the town from the summer-long closure of Holt Road.

Cycling enthusiasts were left disappointed at the announcement, after the town council decided holding the festival on September 10-11 would not be possible because of the 20-week-long construction of the roundabout as part of the Kingston Farm development.

Traffic diversions have caused long delays to motorists travelling through the town and it was decided that to add the closure of another road on the opposite side of town, to hold the Bike Hill Climb on Mason’s Lane, would just create more congestion.

Cllr John Potter, chairman of the bike festival sub-working group, said: “It is extremely disappointing that we have had to cancel but we are looking forward to planning next year’s event and working with all those participants who made the 2015 event so successful and welcoming lots more visitors to our beautiful town.

“The pressure on the roads would have caused a lot of trouble and a lot of anger too. People are fed up already by this closure which should go on until September so we thought it would be in everyone’s interests to give it a miss this time around.

“It is a real shame because this is a town that loves cycling. We did a great job when the Tour of Britain came here and events like this get the town more excited about cycling but it is not the end of the world.”

Last year more than 100 riders took part in the festival with hundreds more lining the streets to cheer on the competitors in the hill climb and the 25-mile bike ride.

George’s Marvellous Bike Ride, now in its fifth year, will still go ahead on September 11, starting and finishing at the Boathouse pub in Widbrook.

The ride, which offers routes from nine to 60 miles, was set up in memory of George Hutchings, who had cerebral palsy, and died aged nine in 2012.

Each year riders help to raise thousands of pounds for local causes including Stepping Stones Opportunity Centre which supports children with special needs.

George’s mum Anna Hutchins said: “It is a fun event which anyone can take part in and includes family-friendly routes as well as longer distances for those looking for more of a challenge.

“The event has grown in popularity each year thanks to the dedication of the riders who sign up. The more riders we get, the more money we can raise to make a real difference to families whose children suffer from life-limiting illnesses.”