THERE has been widespread anger at a recommendation from Fairford International Tattoo for visitors to use roads through Corston, Malmesbury and Minety for access.

It is the world's biggest air show and last year there was chaos with 15-mile tailbacks stretching from Fairford to the M4 at Junction 15 as around 200,000 people descended on the small village in Gloucestershire.

Organisers are expecting their biggest ever turnout this year and have added the route from Junction 17 in an attempt to prevent traffic problems from July 15 to July 21.

The worst of the traffic is expected over the weekend of July 19 and 20 and villagers, already fed up with traffic, have been horrified at the decision, which they believe will create traffic hell on their doorsteps.

Daphne Jones, of Corston, is a long- time traffic campaigner and has fought to reduce speed limits on the A429 through the village and its use as a through road.

She said: "I am appalled and horrified. This is the last thing we want. It is bad enough as it is and if it is going to be on Saturday and Sunday in the summer season it can only make things worse."

The Royal International Air Tattoo said the route is designed to cope with traffic from the South West and Bristol and will follow the A429 through Corston past Malmesbury, turning off at the B4040 to Minety and heading left towards Ashton Keynes.

District councillor for Minety and Ashton Keynes, Nigel Maidment, described the route as "crazy" with roads narrowing to single tracks in some places.

He said: "It will be horrendous. I do not think this is the most sensible way of doing things. I expect the village will be very upset by this."

Events services manager for the tattoo, Ian Sheeley, said the route had been endorsed by both the police and Wiltshire County Council.

He said measures had been taken to reduce traffic congestion and increase traffic flow despite increased security measures.

He said: "This is a route we used about five or six years ago and it is aimed at relieving some of the congestion at Junction 15 and the east side of Swindon. "We have invested a lot of money in car parks and gates to make sure we can keep traffic flow moving.

"There will be a helicopter to monitor traffic and route signs can be altered if that road gets blocked up."

But county councillors responded angrily, saying there has not been consultations with the local community.

The organisers say they held a meeting for the parishes on the route last Thursday, but Malmesbury County Councillor John Thomson said not enough warning was given. "Our officers said they only heard about a meeting to discuss the route last Monday, three days before it took place. We tried to contact them but got no reply. It does not seem that it has been thought out," he said.

Kemble Airfield will also be used as a 'park and fly' offering what are billed as nostalgic, scenic flights to the tattoo and will also provide overnight camping areas.

Crudwell Parish Council and Oaksey residents have already complained at the increased use of Kemble Airfield.

Minety County Councillor Carole Soden said the organisers should meet the community. She said: "The plans as they are, are completely unacceptable."

Last year the event made £500,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.