COUNTY councillor Bob Woollard is fighting a loophole in the law which allowed a rally to pass within yards of villagers' homes.

Organisers changed part of the 130-mile route through villages near Medmenham at the 11th hour, but some villagers are still annoyed that it went ahead.

Residents have been told that not even Buckinghamshire County Council highways officers could ban the rallies.

Villagers in Lower Woodend, Rockwell End and Bockmer End, were all put on standby for last Friday's night-time rally, after receiving leaflets telling them when it would pass within yards of their homes.

The Swan Rally 98, was organised by Windsor Car Club and High Wycombe & District Motor Club, and was staged with the approval of the RAC.

Cllr Bob Woollard (Con, Marlow Rural), tried to get the rally stopped but found there was nothing the county council could do.

He has pledged to take matter further, adding: "We fought hard to get the thing stopped, but nobody could do anything about it.

"It seems to me ludicrous that this can happen.

"But what really annoys me was how late the residents were notified. I am a fan of motor sport and it gives the motor sport industry a bad name.

"This should not happen in an area of outstanding natural beauty, where it disturbs the rural community."

David Emmett, who has lived at Rockwell End Farm all his life, said: "I am surprised nothing can be done. I think there is too much officialdom, but they are very narrow roads and there is a risk of a nasty accident."

Rally organiser Roger Davidson was not available for comment at the time of going to press.

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