RESIDENTS fear a historic landmark and much-loved country park will be damaged when Hadleigh plays host to the Olympic mountain biking event in the London 2012 games.

People living in Hadleigh and surrounding areas are concerned the event will cause irreparable damage to the park and heavy traffic congestion to local roads when thousands of spectators flock to watch the event.

They raised their concerns at a public information meeting held at the Salvation Army headquarters, in London Road, Hadleigh, on Saturday.

It had been designed to keep people updated on preparations to turn Hadleigh Farm into a world-class racetrack for the 2012 games.

Stephen Castle, Essex county councillor responsible for economic development and the Olympics, said all efforts would be made to protect the country park and the castle.

He said: “As a lifelong resident of Castle Point, I’m clear how precious Hadleigh Castle and the country park are to local residents, and I wouldn’t do anything to damage them.

“I’m not going to stand here and tell you everything is rosy. There are a huge number of potential benefits, but there are going to be downsides to that.”

Mr Castle said the exact route the race will take around the farmland, which is owned by the Salvation Army, is yet to be decided.

However, it was revealed at the meeting the event is likely to start and finish in the area of farmland next to the reservoir.

Plans on how to transport athletes and spectators to the site are also yet to be drawn up.

Loretta Sollars, Essex County Council’s head of Olympic and sports development, said several options are being looked at. These included shuttle buses running to the park from Leigh and Benfleet stations, park-and-ride schemes and offering bike bays at the park to encourage people to cycle to the event.

Responding to fears decisions surrounding the event would be made without residents’ knowledge, Mr Castle vowed to keep everything transparent and public.

He told the meeting: “I pledge we will communicate and consult with you before decisions are taken, and when they are taken they will be taken publicly.”