BUSINESSES will be targeted throughout June by Somerset County Council's Tour of Britain team.

Officers want to enable local businesses to cash in on as many opportunities as possible when the UK's biggest bike race heads for Chard for the South-West stage on Tuesday, September 9.

Last year the county benefited to the tune of over £500,000 in additional visitor spend on the race day itself, with over 70,000 spectators flocking to key points along the route.

The council's portfolio holder for economic development, Cllr Alvin Horsfall, said: "The Tour of Britain presents an excellent opportunity for local businesses to take advantage of advertising their products and services to a wide audience, from handing out leaflets to special offers for the day.

"It's a family event and we expect to attract even more spectators along the route this year after the success of the first South-West stage in 2007."

The council's Tour of Britain project manager, Graham Bagley, added: "We also need to make sure that businesses are aware of the practical issues, such as road closures and alternative transport arrangements that will be needed on the race day, so it's important that we contact all businesses in the area."

Chairman of Chard Chamber of Commerce Graham Barnes has already told local traders they need to start thinking "now" as to how they could gain from the Tour of Britain extravaganza coming to the town on September 9.

Businesses that have yet to hear from the Tour team should contact Graham Bagley on 01823-356093 to discuss how the race might affect their business and how they can benefit from the event.