VILLAGE businesses said they were left out of pocket after a lower-than-expected turnout to a big cycling event.

Two bosses in Barley criticised organisers of the British Cycling National Road Race Championships, saying they lost thousands of pounds in reduced trade.

The village at the foot of Pendle Hill was cut off during the race organised by Pennine Events.

Businesses were told they would need to cater for upwards of 15,000 people over the weekend.

But villagers said less than 1,000 people were able to visit and large quantities of food, drink and other goods were wasted.

Organisers said 5,000 people came to watch along the whole of the route.

They believed the England-Germany game at the same time on Sunday had a ‘devastating effect’ on numbers, but that overall the event was a ‘wonderful occasion’.

Paula Milligan, owner of The Cabin Cafe, said the business lost almost £3,000 thanks to large amounts of unsold energy drinks.

She said: “It was just ridiculous that we had been told to buy crates of these drinks when the organisers knew that a sponsor a couple of metres away from us would be giving them out for free.

“We had 10 staff on stand-by for the big rush but it never happened.”

Rob McAuley, owner of the Barley Mow restaurant, said he may not support the event in future.

He said: “It ended up quieter than a normal weekend and we lost thousands.

"The promises we were given were downright ludicrous.”

Eurosport televised the races, which saw 130 of the best road riders in Britain cover 15 laps in a 180-km circuit taking in Roughlee, Downham and parts of Barley.

Brian Cookson, executive director at Pendle Council and British Cycling president, said the England World Cup match couldn't have been foreseen, but added: “Long-term benefits to businesses will be very substantial as these visitors spread the word about the attractions of Pendle.”