FUMING organisers of a cancelled cycle race say Somerton has missed out on thousands of pounds in tourist trade plus national television exposure.

The Tour of Wessex Premier Calendar race would have drawn 120 professional cyclists to the town in May as well as sports channel television cameras and scores of spectators.

Event director Nick Bourne said the Somerton area would have gained around £70,000 from the event but it had to be axed because of safety fears and high policing costs.

Somerset highways refused to authorise the required road closure for a professional event.

Somerton town councillor Jerry Rees said: "It is a blow for the town as it was about bringing the professional riders to Somerton, along with the media and hype."

Mr Bourne of Pendragon Sports said: "The route had been used before and we had the backing of the town council. It would have been exciting for the people of Somerton and the economic impact would have been substantial.

"I am pretty angry as it has been a year and a half of putting it together. Somerset highways were first aware of it in January 2008 and at our last meeting decided we cannot do it with four months to go – it is devastating."