FEARS that Teignmouth is going to be sealed off during the Muse shows are groundless, traders and others have been assured.

Alarms bells began ringing when the county council announced it had closure orders for a host of streets in the town centre area.

Many businesses were concerned that customers would not be able to get into town and some talked of closing for the two days.

But now it has been explained that the only roads likely to be closed are those around the Den, but other highways were included in the package just in case there is an emergency.

The message from police chief Insp Chris Shaw is: 'Teignmouth will not be closed – it will be open for business as usual.'

But he did emphasise there will be traffic disruption because of the sheer numbers of fans in town and advised people to avoid coming in if they could.

The police, the highway authority, Teignbridge and promoters SJM are working together to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. However, exact details are still being finalised.

All local police leave has been cancelled, and extra officers – including specials and community support officers – will be drafted into Teignmouth, alongside SJM security staff and stewards. Inspector Shaw pointed out the policing costs were being met by SJM and that there would normal police cover in the outlying districts, including Dawlish.

Extra trains and buses are being laid on and a park-and-walk scheme set up at Broadmeadow.

'It has to be remembered that Teignmouth is a cul-de-sac, traffic wise, and we will have to get a large number of people in and out in a short space of time.'

Sergeant Russell Dawe spoke at a meeting convened by the Teignmouth Traders' Association, at Dicey's pub, on Monday, over concerns about traffic gridlock.

Traders' chairman Paul Nicks said: 'He put our minds at rest. A lot of traders were worried about deliveries and customers not being able to get into town, but we all feel a lot happier now.

'The concerts will provide a lot of opportunities for extra trade and put Teignmouth on the national and international map.'

Insp Shaw added: 'I do not envisage any real public order problems with the Muse fans. I spoke to many of them queueing for tickets and was impressed at how well behaved and good natured they were – there was not one hint of trouble.