Fears are growing over the effect the Velo 100 cycle race will have on communities in the Black Country and surrounding areas on the 24th September.

Road closures will be in place in Halesowen, Cradley, Stourbridge and into South Staffordshire and north Worcestershire as 15,000 cyclists take part in the 100-mile race, which starts and finishes in Birmingham.

But people living along the route are becoming increasingly concerned about being trapped in their properties or prevented from accessing them.

Organisers CSM Active say they’ve worked extensively to resolve as many issues as possible. A host of good causes, including the NSPCC, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity are set to benefit from the fundraising efforts of the many charity riders.