Residents want to show the red light to an annual motor race that draws spectactors and competitors from all over Cornwall.

Their campaign against the Watergate Bay Sprint hill-climb event come because they say it cuts off St Mawgan and Mawgan Porth from Newquay.

Many people want to put a stop to the Watergate Bay Sprint being staged as the event shuts off the B3276 for two days a year.

Residents complain they have to take a 14-mile detour while the race is held, which they say is unacceptable during the cost of living and climate crisis.

Watergate Bay Motorsport will be hosting a drop-in consultation to discuss the event, at Mawgan Porth Village Hall on Sunday, March 5 between 7pm and 8.30pm.

The event organisers Newquay Auto Club, Plymouth Motor Club and Truro and District Motor Club will be on hand to answer questions and listen to comments.

They need permission from Motorsport UK before they can apply for a licence and road closures from Cornwall Council to stage this year’s event, which is due to be held on September 16 and 17.

Dr McKenzie, the chairman of St Mawgan-in-Pydar Parish Council, said: “We have concerns about the road closure as residents in the parish have to take a long detour at a time when fuel is expensive.

“We are trying to cut down on car journeys and it seems not to be the most sensible thing. This event has been going on for years and the parish council has never been consulted.”

St Columb Minor and Colan Cornwall councillor John Fitter added: “I think it is appalling as it is not an essential road closure for utility works.

“This event is purely for the benefit of a small section of the community whilst the larger section of residents and visitors have to suffer.

“We have declared a climate emergency and people are being asked to make a 14-mile detour, which is not acceptable.”

Hundreds of spectators and racers have converged on Watergate Bay annually to attend the hill climb race since it was first held in 2018 though there was a break in the event during the lockdown.