ROAD closures which caused 'absolute chaos' during the Ironman event were illegal, the Echo has learned.

Dorset County Council was supposed to go to the Secretary of State for permission– but due to an 'administrative error', it didn't.

The information came to light when a Freedom of Information request was submitted to the council by a resident who suspected this was the case.

When a road is closed more than once in a year, permission has to be sought from the government under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, because of possible disruption to residents.

Councils must demonstrate to the Secretary of State that 'issues around alternative routes have been adequately considered and that pedestrian access will be maintained to affected premises.'

As reported in the Echo, many residents complained that they were either not allowed to leave, or return, to their properties on the day of the triathlon and that they had not been adequately informed.

Councils are supposed to apply more than four weeks in advance of an event, demonstrate that they have carried out adequate consultation with those affected, supply copies of any objections to the closures and a copy of the public notice.

In its letter to the resident, DCC said: "We apologise [for not getting permission] and am grateful that your enquiry has highlighted this omission, as it is a useful lesson to ensure that this legal step is undertaken, and it has helped us tighten up on our procedures and processes."

Andrew Martin, service director for Highways and Emergency Planning, said: “Unfortunately on this occasion, due to administrative error, we didn’t seek the Secretary of State’s approval for the use of the Esplanade and Custom House Quay for the Ironman event earlier this year as we usually would. This endorsement is sought if we close a road for an event more than once during a 12 month period.

“We have been in touch with the Department for Transport to notify them of our error, and we will be tightening up our procedures and processes to prevent it from happening again.

“Although we made an error in our process the outcome would most likely have been the same, but we apologise for this oversight.”

However, some residents have said they find it 'hard to believe' that this level of error could happen.

One said: "They knew they had to get permission when it came to the veterans' parade and carnival, so I find it very hard to believe they could make such an oversight.

"They are very experienced at big events. Perhaps it was the case that the council knew it may not get permission, and Ironman was worth a lot of money, so it didn't bother and hoped no one would find out."

Howard Cogan, a small business owner, said the event was a 'shambles' and he has also sent questions to the council regarding other road closures.

He added that he suspects the errors do not stop with this one.

"It was a mess," he said. "I spoke to people whose journey should have taken three miles, and ended up taking 16."

He added that whilst some people have said the atmosphere was 'fantastic' on the seafront, the rest of the county was left in 'chaos.'

As reported in the Echo, the council will hold a 'call to account' meeting on December 7 after a number of residents got in touch to complain about the event.

There were mixed feelings towards Ironman, with many saying that the event is a boost for tourism, shows Weymouth off to the world and promotes an active lifestyle.

Ironman is returning in September 2017, but will only be a half event.

Kevin Stewart, managing director for Ironman UK said: "Weymouth was the first time we had combined a full distance and 70.3 on the same day.

"We have undertaken a review of this format since the event with the authorities and consultation with the local communities affected by the road closures.

"The conclusion is that we will withdraw the full distance event from the race going forward."

A spokesman for the county council said competitors and spectators largely viewed the 2016 event as a success.

They added that as far as they are aware there are no fines or punishments for failing to comply with the law.