Tour of Britain cycle race heads for West Somerset and Exmoor

WEST Somerset is to host part of this year’s Tour of Britain blue riband cycle race for the first time, as some of the world’s top cyclists compete in a stage which takes them through the district.
The terrain of Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills will provide competitors with some tough challenges.
The riders will pass through Williton, Dunster, Minehead, Porlock, Lynmouth, Simonsbath, Exford, and Wheddon Cross before reaching the stage finish in Taunton.
The Tour of Britain starts on Sunday, September 9, and reaches West Somerset on Tuesday, September 11.
The South West stage is being hosted by Somerset County Council, which has secured a stage of the tour for five years from 2007.
The council is confident the race will bring substantial economic benefits and a tourism boost to the county.
The Tour of Britain is Britain’s leading professional cycle race and biggest live sporting event and is free to watch.
Tour of Britain activities are planned to take place in Somerset throughout the summer, including a triathlon for schools at Millfield School, in Street, and a cycling exhibition at the Somerset County Museum, in Taunton.
Details of the Somerset route were unveiled at a ceremony in the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, where guests were treated to a visual spectacle by RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron.
After flying in by Sea King helicopter, they presented museum staff with a £2,500 bicycle given by Tri UK and Fisher Outdoor for a competition at the exhibition.
County economic development portfolio holder Councillor Paul Buchanan said: “We are determined that the South West stage of the Tour of Britain will be the best ever.
“It will be an exciting event for Somerset, and not to be missed.
“The route will showcase the county, with television coverage on the BBC, and will give us an opportunity to show the world what a perfect setting Somerset is for cycling and outdoor activity breaks.”
The Tour of Britain South West stage is supported by the Somerset Strategic Partnership, Somerset Rural Renaissance Partnership, Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund, Active Exmoor, and Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Information about the route of the race, images and logos can be accessed and downloaded at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/media/downloads/index.asp

• Our photographs show (top) county heritage officer Tom Mayberry (left) with Richard Wallis of Tri UK, and (middle) RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron delivering a competition prize bicycle by Sea King helicopter for the Somerset County Museum exhibition ‘On Yer Bike’, which is due to start on June 30. Photos submitted.

Police warning over Easter car crime and off-roading on Quantock Hills

POLICE are asking Easter visitors to the Quantock Hills to take simple measures to avoid becoming a victim of car crime.
They are also taking the opportunity to remind owners of all 4x4 vehicles, quad bikes, and motorcycles that all tracks across the Quantock Hills are now out of bounds to unauthorised vehicles.
Police Community Support Officer for the Quantock Hills, Eamonn Leniston, said: “As Easter approaches, the lighter nights and warmer days mean that more people are out walking on the Quantock Hills and visiting natural beauty spots, and therefore are parking their cars in the area.
“We are reminding visitors to make sure they remove property from display in vehicles, lock their car, and keep their belongings safe.
“It Is a simple message - if your property is not on display, the thief will see nothing to steal and walk on by.
“The vast majority of thefts from cars are opportunistic - the thief sees your sat nav on the dashboard, or bag on the back seat, breaks your window, and takes it.
“This is a message we have been pushing out for a long, long time but it does not get through.
“Time and time again we have thefts reported to us of property which has been left on display in your car.
“This is a crime which is so easy to prevent but this is not something the police can do on our own.
“Regular patrols on the hills are made and vehicles are checked. If we find vehicles which are vulnerable we will contact you.”
PCSO Leniston also pointed out it was an offence to use a mechanically-driven vehicle off-road anywhere on the Quantock Hills unless authorised, such as land owners and those who have the land owner’s permission.
He said: “People who tend their livestock are also entitled to use the off-road tracks.
“However, there are still individuals who persist in doing so for recreational purposes and there is a minority who cause alarm and distress to other visitors to the hills.
“Should you witness any offending vehicles, please contact us on 0845 456 7000 - always use 999 in an emergency - or via the force website at http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/.
“Anybody who can help should contact us through our secure Crimestoppers contact form at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and you could receive a reward.”
Photo submitted.