MORE than 50 angry residents packed Corsley village hall on Tuesday night protesting against plans to hold Wiltshire County Show and air pageant in the village.

The decision to move the show from Lower Pertwood Farm to the Corsley Showground was made last year by organisers, Imperial Charity, after the show made a £3,000 loss.

The charity and Corsley Parish Council decided to hold the meeting to try to allay residents' fears.

Sally Evans, clerk to the parish council, said: "I think that residents are concerned that the noise from the aircraft will upset animals, as Corsley is an agricultural village.

"People are also concerned about the amount of traffic the show will bring and the traffic management problems this will create."

But chairman of Imperial Cancer, David McCance, has defended the decision to hold the show in the village.

He said: "Our show is not an agricultural show as many residents have envisaged it as simply a good family show spread over two days.

"We felt this venue was better as it's closer to Warminster. We're optimistic about making a profit next year as the ground has a lot of potential.

"Cuts have been made without affecting the calibre of the show."

The charity has secured the contract for the next 10 years at Corsley and the show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12.

Last year, the show, which attracts 20,000 people, had to be postponed to September due to the foot-and-mouth crisis.