Farmers counting on spectators to avoid race clean up bill
Unlike our those of our readers with an interest in Lycra I have little understanding of the fascination of cycling – although I do like “Waiting for Godot” Seems to me on the strength of this article the Tour De France could cause more hassle than good for some rural dwellers. Before you reach for an angry response I am sure some however will love it!!
Farmers will foot the bill if drystone walls on their land are damaged by spectators who flock to the countryside for the Grand Départ of the Tour de France this summer.
Race organisers and North Yorkshire County Council have confirmed no compensation will be offered for damage to the heritage features. No service will be offered by the Council either for the removal of litter, dropped by spectators, from farmland.
A spokesperson for Tour de France HUB2014 Ltd, the co-ordinating body behind the event, said: “The key message being reinforced in all spectator guidance is to respect the environment and to leave the area as you found it.
“All parties are fully committed to spreading that message, along with countryside guidance in order to protect property and ensure Yorkshire’s unique landscape is undamaged.
“This guidance features in the official guide to the Tour which will be sold in ten countries across the world, and will also be prominent in all spectator information related to countryside areas of the race route.