Midnight car rally revs up protest among villagers VILLAGERS are furious after being told a car rally will be passing through country roads near their homes in a midnight race.

People living in the villages of Lower Woodend, Rockwell End and Bockmer End, near Medmenham, have all been sent leaflets informing them that a navigational rally is due to pass near their homes at around midnight tonight.

The Swan Rally '98 is organised by Windsor Car Club and High Wycombe & District Motor Club.

Residents living in the quiet countryside villages say they are shocked and cannot believe the event has been permitted, particularly when cars will be travelling just 12 feet away from some homes along the route.

Amanda Baker, 40, of Bockmer End, said: "I am concerned for my children's safety and also for the fact that we are all going to get our night disturbed.

"I find it absolutely unbelievable these rallies are allowed to be staged without consultation with the people of the neighbourhood."

She added: "If they want to have a rally, let them do it on their own doorstep. This is not acceptable at midnight."

The leaflet from the organisers reads: "We are certain that the future success of motorsport in Britain revolves around good public relations, so if you have any questions regarding this event please do not hesitate to call the above named contact." Mrs Baker added: "I have worked in marketing all my life and this is the most appalling public relations exercise I have ever come across."

Fellow objector David Emmett, of Rockwell End Farm, said: "I have lived here all my life and these rallies have been going on for a number of years.

"What is worrying is it is a tiny road. I can see some little couple toodling back from a night out and coming across the rally in one of the narrow roads."

Another villager, David Clarke, of Bockmer End, said: "I don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but nobody wants to get their sleep disturbed, and on the danger side it's not as if it's a twin-lane road, the last thing we want is to meet one of them head-on."

Rally organiser Roger Davidson told the Marlow Free Press that the drivers would pass through the area as part of a 130-mile rally, but they would stick to speed limits.

He said: "It is a bit like orienteering in a car. The important thing to get clear is they are standard cars, not Escorts with big wings. If it was illegal we wouldn't publicise it.

"Most people are grateful and can bring their cats in that evening."

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