A THIRD public viewing area is being added to Tendring's road rally event set to take to the rural roads within weeks.

The Corbeau Seats Rally is returning to villages in Tendring after it's controversial debut last year.

It was the first of it's kind to be held on closed public roads in England after a change in the law.

But organiser Chelmsford Motor Club has announced some changes to the race ready for it's return on Sunday, April 28.

A new viewing area is being planned for Little Bromley - adding to those in Bradfield and Great Bentley that provided safe, marshalled areas for the public to sit and watch the rally from last year.

With spectators barred from the roadside for safety reasons, the official viewing areas are the only way to see the cars in action, and there are also plans for a big screen on Clacton seafront for those who want to follow the rally as it happens.

Changes to the route have also been revealed, with the original stages one and two joining together in a single stage from Tendring Heath, passing through Wix and Bradfield and ending in Mistley Heath.

The Great Bentley stage has been reversed in direction so it will instead start near Aingers Green and ending near Bentley Country Park.

The motor club is visiting properties along the route as well as homes affected by the road closures on the day.

Tony Clements, event director, said: “Last year was a spectacular rally, and a great marker as the first event of its kind in England after a change in the law.

“We were so pleased with how well it went, and how popular it was, but as with any event there’s always room for improvements.

“With some changes to the route for competitors, and even more ways for spectators to get involved, we’re hoping for an even bigger and better rally this time around.”

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council's leisure and tourism boss, said: "We were proud to host the first rally of its kind in Tendring last year, and I’m delighted it is returning for 2019.

“The rally is a thrilling event for car enthusiasts and last year a huge number of people who were new to rallying also found it a really interesting, colourful and vibrant event.

“Tendring has so much to offer in the way of tourism, from our beaches and heritage to events such as the Clacton Airshow, and the Corbeau Seats Rally is a key string in our bow.”

Marine Parade West in Clacton will be closed from Friday, April 26, as part of the event service area.

The rally will see competitors complete three loops of the four-stage course during the day, setting off for the first round from Clacton 8.30am at 30 second intervals.

But concerns have been raised about the race.

Tendring councillor Robert Bucke said: "I am informed that there is very considerable objection to this year’s extended route through Wix, where I am told the Waggon pub will have to close, and the 106 bus is under threat on that day, not to mention those route residents who require three daily care visits to themselves."

For more information visit corbeauseatsrally.co.uk.