THE organisers of the Enduro World Series (EWS) are hosting a virtual town hall event to address questions and concerns of local residents and businesses in Innerleithen.

Thousands of people are expected to visit for the events running from September 30 to October 3.

It has been suggested the “economic impact” for the area could be £1.5 million.

Back in April, Innerleithen Community Council heard there were “big challenges and concerns” regarding the biking spectacle.

But EWS organisers said that they want to ensure that residents enjoy the festival and that businesses benefit from the influx of visitors.

The event village was to be set up in Victoria Park, but organisers felt that the event had outgrown this space and they have now secured the show field behind the health centre, with the field next to the cemetery for parking.

Last week, at a meeting of the community council, Lisa Purves, the marketing strategist for EWS, said: “It gives us a bigger space to provide the facilities that we need to for the race and it gives us better scope for parking for people coming to race, spectate, or visit the festival throughout the weekend.

“We hope this will then minimise any traffic disruption through the centre of the town. Our athletes and spectators will still travel through the town for things like registration, which is happening at the Memorial Hall, and to get to some of the race stages and spectators zones through the town.

“We hope this close proximity of the new site and this flow of athletes through the town will mean that businesses can enjoy the economic benefit that the race festival will bring but with a minimal amount of disruption to the normal day to day in town.”

Information packs are being made up and will be distributed to businesses.

There will also be a Royal Mail doorstep drop to local households with a schedule of events and how they can get involved and enjoy what is on offer.

Community councillor Gordon Daly raised the sensitivity regarding parking next to the cemetery.

He asked: “What steps are you taking to prevent any locals from getting upset?

"People have contacted me with concerns but hopefully we’ll be able to give them peace of mind.”

After speaking with the event director, Ms Purves confirmed there will be no overnight camping in this field and pedestrians will be directed to use access points that take them directly onto the cycle path, meaning pedestrian footfall through to the field entrance will be minimal.

She added: “We will ensure that we communicate to the local residents on when we expect the car park entrance to be at its busiest."

The proposed date for the virtual town hall event is Monday, August 23.

For more information, readers can visit the following website: tweedvalley@enduroworldseries.com