A NEW traffic plan for the Cotswold Show will help ease congestion, event organisers said.

Every year, around 50,000 people flock to the popular country country show in Cirencester Park, but at peak times they have been left frustrated by long delays on the roads.

Last year, traffic was backed up across the town’s major arteries, with queues reaching to Dobbies Garden Centre on the A419.

But organisers believe they have put together a plan to avoid the worst delays at this year's event on July 2 and 3.

Cars travelling from Tetbury, Chippenham and M4 Junction 14 will be funnelled through Coates to a second entrance by Cirencester Park Polo Club on Stroud Road. Cars travelling from Stroud will also use this entrance.

It is hoped the move will relieve pressure on the Stroud Road and Tetbury Road roundabout.

Traffic travelling along the A419 will continue to use the entrance by Deer Park School.

Visitors are urged to follow the AA signs that will be in place for the duration of the show.

Last year, angry locals reported spending up to an extra 30 minutes on their usual routes.

In previous years visitors trying to get into the show gave up and went home because of snail-pace traffic.

Show director Claudia Wilson said: “We have worked closely with the Highways Agency, Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Constabulary on a plan that will mean access to the Show should be easier. And we would encourage visitors to arrive before 10.30am if they can.”

The show, now in its 28th year, attracts visitors from across the region with its countryside mix of arena attractions, 300 trade stands and food stalls, and displays showcasing the best of rural Britain.

Headlining the main Bathurst Arena will be the popular Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team, The White Helmets, which have been performing for more than 80 years.

The Shetland Pony Grand National is also making a return to the show, as they tackle a gruelling course of fences to qualify for a place at this year’s London International Horse Show, raising money for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust in the process.