A SERIES of public meetings have heard from residents angry about traffic arrangements and restrictions ahead of the four consecutive nights of concerts at Powderham Castle.

Representatives from the castle and promoters Cuffe and Taylor organised the community meetings to explain operational planning for the Live At Powderham concerts this weekend.

About 120,000 tickets have been sold for the four nights of shows featuring Teddy Swims, Alanis Morissette and Lewis Capaldi.

But the traffic arrangements involving the closure of the A379 have angered residents in the area and locals who have bought tickets for the events.

The traffic restrictions which have been brought in, according to organisers, have been extended through Kenton and Starcross in response to issues reported at previous events, especially pick up and drop off and taxi journeys.

The series of community meetings was to discuss access for local residents, parking, public transport, emergency access and future consultation.

County councillor Rosie Dawson, who attended one of the meetings, said some people were upset and ‘very angry’ about the impact.

She said: ‘Powderham Castle and the promoters have acknowledged that communications have been a bit late and went to ticket holders before residents.

‘But anyone needing to get through the road closure for medical appointments etc will be able to.

‘More passes are being circulated for residents and businesses affected.’

Cllr Dawson explained emergency services will be in a ‘hub’ inside the event including highways, South Western Ambulance Service, police and fire service.

In the event of an emergency elsewhere outside the event, ambulances will be available.

She said: ‘Having events like this is a great opportunity but it needs to be balanced with the disruption.

‘People need to be confident they can get home.

‘That has been heard loud and clear by both Powderham Castle and the promoters.’

Mitzi Stapleton, who attended one of the meetings held in Cockwood, said: ‘I’ve never had a problem with these events before but now more tickets have been sold than the roads can handle, hence the road closures this will have a massive impact on Starcross, Cockwood, Dawlish Warren. Kenton and Exminster.

‘Dawlish has had a terrible time with all the road works and traffic problems now a four day road closure each day from 2 pm.

‘It’s going to be a nightmare with holiday traffic added to the mix.’

Organisers admitted it had not been anticipated that so many of the tickets sold would be to local people.

Cllr Dawson added: ‘The point was made that Powderham Castle needs to be more sustainable as an amenity and that is important but it needs to be balanced.’

Residents have raised concerns about the effect of traffic controls on access for medical appointments, caring responsibilities, work, and day-to-day travel as well as the loss of evening bus services and the impact on people with limited mobility.

The organisers have stressed anyone with legitimate reasons for travel, including appointments, caring, or visits, will be allowed through checkpoints even without a pass.

Promoters Cuffe and Taylor are understood to be keen on a long term contract with Powderham but no multi-year deal has been agreed.

The castle representatives said any future arrangements will depend on feedback after this year’s event.

Residents are being invited to a post event review next month.