Traders are predicting chaos on the streets when 900 motorbike enthusiasts clash with roadworks in Baildon.

Bikers from as far afield as Sweden, Holland, Poland and America are expected in Baildon for the Harley Davison Rider Club of Great Britain's 50th anniversary charity rally this weekend.

But local traders say that roadworks in the village centre, where hundreds of bikers congregate during the festival, will cost them vital business and cause horrendous congestion.

Kevin May, manager of Forbuoys newsagents in Northgate, said: "It's going to be a massive problems when all the bikers come. It's going to be total chaos.

"They've picked the wrong week to start with the roadworks. You would think that they could've waited until after the bank holiday. It's just a total lack of foresight.

"All the bikers congregate down here and we were expecting a lot of trade - but now they've got nowhere to stop."

A local publican, who did not wish to be named, said: "Because it's the 50th anniversary they're expecting a lot more than usual but when they see this are they going to want to come back?"

The works are part of a £2.1 million development by Yorkshire Co-operative to build a 12,000sq foot store in Baildon. The store, which is due to open in October, will replace a smaller store opposite in Northgate and create 30 new jobs.

Don Frear, Yorkshire representative of the Harley Riders, said the group wouldn't let the roadworks spoil their annual festivities.

He said: "It may mean there's a bit of congestion. Every spare bit of room is usually full of motorbikes so it will just be the same this year.

"We were hoping that the roadworks would be finished by the weekend but we won't let it spoil the event.''

The bikers are due to ride out in convoy tomorrow to the Yorkshire Show ground in Harrogate where they will then donate toys for local children's hospitals.

Co-op chief executive Tony Henry said: "I didn't know about the bike rally but it wouldn't have made any difference. The development doesn't have any bearing on the rally.

"I'm sorry if there is any congestion caused but we can't stop every time there is something going on in the village. There are jobs at stake and workmen will want their wages."

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