PARISH councils have hit back at claims the Diamond Races team has won over widespread support from those in villages affected by the event.

John Cirrone, chair of Brighstone Parish Council, and Ron Groves, chair of Chale Parish Council, issued a joint statement refuting claims by the organiser that the villages had 'come out in support of it'.

They said: "We both feel the need to make a statement regarding the article about Diamond Races. The information is both inaccurate and misleading, not only for our parishioners but also to readers from across the Island.

"Chale Parish could not give its support, simply because only nine parishioners were present at the Zoom meeting, and although they were in support of the race, this was not a fair representation of the village population.

"Therefore when Covid restrictions allow, there will be a public open meeting or what is more likely there will be a written survey for every household to ascertain the whole of the village's views.

"Brighstone Parish Council has stated from the day this event was announced, it will be consulting with every household in the parish to establish everyone's views when Covid restrictions allow this to happen without any risk.

"There has not been the level of consultation or distribution of booklets in either of the parishes as stated by Diamond Races.

"As chairmen of both the affected parishes we feel any article which gives misleading information at this time is not helpful and will only add to the divide within the community that exists following the announcement of this event."

The event, held over four days in October next year, will feature sidecar and electric bike demos, lightweight 650cc supertwin racing, Super Sport 600-675cc and the main event, the Superbike 1000cc.

Organisers claimed Chale as in support, and there was encouraging support in Shorwell, with a petition in favour signed by almost half the parishioners.

Brighstone seems divided, with parish clerk Joy Walker saying the large volume of letters received for and against had kept her busy. and that the parish council wants to hold a consultation with villagers.

Concerns raised include speed safety, the length of time roads would be closed, access for emergency services vehicles and people bringing their own motorcycles to use the circuit.

Paul Sandford, chief executive and co-founder of the Diamond Races, said the group had posted booklets to residents detailing how the event would be run and how it would mitigate any issues, and was setting up a residents’ liaison committee.

He said: "We recognise there’s a hard core who, no matter what we say, we could never placate.

“These are the people who would actually want nothing disturbing their peace.

“But across the Island, people are very much in favour."