A HIGH Court order restricting the number of “noisy days” at a motor racing circuit has led to the postponement of a popular festive rally.

The Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally has been running since 1980 and attracts thousands of spectators and some of the country’s best drivers to Croft Circuit, near Darlington.

It is traditionally staged on the Bank Holiday Monday after Christmas, and was due to be held on December 28.

However, Northallerton Automobile Club (NAC) Ltd, which organises the event, has been told it will have to move the event if the circuit is to comply with the ruling, made in January.

Croft Promosport, the circuit’s tenant, was ordered to pay damages and legal costs to three neighbours because the enjoyment of their homes had been affected by “loud, intrusive and repetitive noise”.

It was restricted to 40 noisy events a year. The event will now be held on Saturday, January 2, and while it is only five days later than scheduled, organisers said it could affect the number of spectators.

Clerk of the course Ian Jackson, of NAC, said: “It is unfortunate, as well as disappointing, and it has caused us a few headaches as all plans were in place for December 28, what with officials booked, regulations printed and permits sought etc.

“However, with some hard work on ours and Croft’s part, rather than just cancel the event, we can work round it this year and hopefully, still attract a good entry and decent crowd and get back to our normal date next year.”

The event started as a multi-venue rally, with Croft and other sites, such as Hamsterley and Catterick, used.

In 2001, the foot-and-mouth outbreak meant organisers were restricted to Croft, and it has remained in that format ever since.

The event website is at northallerton-ac.co.uk, with places expected to fill quickly.