MARSHALS were ‘appalling’, accidents were caused and organisers of Ironman should be given a ‘yellow card’, councillors have heard.

Ironman triathlon organisers have been given a final chance to ‘get it right’ after the county council was inundated with complaints following last year’s road chaos.

Competitors and spectators largely viewed it as a success, but widespread disruption led to a barrage of complaints to the county council, a meeting yesterday was told.

The Audit and Governance Committee held a special ‘call to account’ and its findings were delivered to Cabinet yesterday.

At the call to account, it was revealed that although three companies had been hired to assist with the marshalling, 10 days prior to the race two of the companies pulled out.

Speaking at Cabinet yesterday, chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee Cllr Trevor Jones, said: “Ironman is a huge event, that’s the first thing to make clear. It gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people but unfortunately it annoyed a lot of people whose lives were disrupted on the day.

“The county council bears some of the responsibility to make sure it’s run with minimal disruption. We need to work closely with the Ironman team right up until the end of the event.”

However Cllr Jones said that Ironman organisers had “bit off more than it could chew”.

Last year was the first Ironman event following two ‘Challenge Weymouth’ triathlon events.

Purbeck district councillor Peter Wharf, said: “This isn’t the first time the organisers have got it wrong.

“It had an adverse effect on Purbeck - there were accidents and unreasonable behaviour.

“The marshals were absolutely appalling. We need to get it right this time. If we don’t get it right we shouldn’t run it again.

“It shouldn’t be done if it is going to be a complete catastrophe again.”

Cllr Wharf also asked the Cabinet to consider handing a ‘yellow card’ to the organisers.

Cllr Kate Wheller added: “It was a successful event from the point of view of the competitors and gave a good impression of Dorset. But from the point of residents and holidaymakers it was disruptive. It is inevitable there will be some disruption but it should be mitigated to a minimum.”

Recommendations agreed by Cabinet for the return of Ironman 2017 included the establishment of clear roles, responsibilities and timelines; use of skilled, accredited and knowledgeable local marshals and an appropriate and clear Traffic Management Plan.

The event organisers will also be asked to produce a detailed communication plan at least six months before the event.

Cllr Peter Finney said: “We have had a good discussion with Ironman. They understand where we are coming from and we understand where they are coming from. Ironman were let down quite badly by local companies and did the best they could in the circumstances.”

Race director Alan Rose said: “We fully accept there were certain things that didn’t go to plan. We wholeheartedly think we can accept the recommendations and move forward.”