PREPARATIONS for next year's Olympic cycle race have got off to a "slow start", according to concerned residents.

The event will cover about 130 miles of the county's roads, passing through Mole Valley on the way back to London.

The route, which was confirmed in February, includes a stretch of the A25 and several laps of Box Hill.

Up to half a million spectators are expected to line the streets over the weekend of July 28 and 29 next year, but some fear not enough preparation has been done ahead of this summer's test event on August 14.

David Preedy, district councillor for Box Hill and Headley, met fellow councillors and residents on Monday to discuss the plans.

He said: "The thing I think worries people is that no progress has been made on estimated crowd numbers. All of the plans hinge on how many supporters are expected.

"It is one thing to manage the roads for the cyclists, that is pretty straightforward. But is it going to be 250 people on Box Hill or 250,000 people?

"They have not even started that process. That means the other plans are behind. That did cause considerable concern."

He added: "Communications have been slow to get going and that is a problem. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but there are concerns and things to get right."

Richard Roberts-Miller, chairman of Mickleham Parish Council, said: "The whole thing got off to a very slow start.

"They were discussing it in May 2010 and when it was announced I thought 'at last we can talk about it'. I was hoping they would have made more progress by this point."

But Trevor West, chairman of residents' organisation Givons Grove Estate Group, said: "We have raised various things that we think need to be addressed and they are being addressed.

"The fact that the roads are going to be closed for seven hours is of some concern, but arrangements are being made to allow residents to get in and out of the estate.

"I am happy with the way things are progressing at the moment."

A spokeswoman for Surrey County Council said a newsletter will be sent to everyone living within 100 metres of the race route, giving information about access, road closures, emergency arrangements, road repairs and security.

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