Opposition grows for animal circus

By [bbanks]

An animal circus that has been heavily criticised by campaigners has pitched up at a Lincolnshire village.

Vehicles from The Great British Circus began arriving at a field in Waddington yesterday morning.

Animals such as lions and tigers will not start arriving at the circus until closer to the date of the first performance on March 3.

Organisers say most people are happy for them to be there.

And they say animal rights campaigners who oppose them do not represent ordinary people.

But opposition from local residents is mounting, with village critics insisting they still want to stop performances from going ahead.

And while campaigners are concerned about whether animals should be used in circuses, villagers are more worried about practical issues such as parking and traffic.

Kim Crawford, assistant clerk at Waddington Parish Council, said she had been flooded with complaints in the hours after the circus began arriving.

"My office line has not stopped ringing," she said.

"People have been phoning up and complaining all morning."

Fears have been raised by some about whether Brant Road and Station Road next to the field will be clogged up with traffic.

There are also concerns that visitors to the circus will park on local roads.

Both accusations have been rebutted by the circus.

But as the opening day approaches, organisers say interest in the circus is mounting.

Spokesman Chris Barltrop said: "We have been careful to make proper arrangements so that the site is suitable for parking.

"One or two people have concerns, but it's properly organised, and that's how we cope with the expected crowds.

"I hope we can make friends with local people."

The circus will open for business on Wednesday, March 3 at 5pm.