THE Royal Lancashire Show could be set for a shock return to Chorley after its new East Lancashire venue proved a total washout.

The show was cancelled for the first time in 236 years on the final day last Thursday after Salesbury Hall Farm in Ribchester and surrounding roads became dangerously muddy.

Health and safety bosses, the police and Ribble Valley Borough Council raised serious concerns about public safety and the Royal Lancashire Show Society abandoned the closing day.

Visitors from across the county had complained of severe traffic jams and muddy conditions as heavy downpours affected the ground conditions.

Jack Wilson, leader of Chorley Borough Council, said this year's show had been a shambles.

"While I am very sorry that the show ended early this year, the responsibility lies solely with the society who have been completely disorganised," he said.

"If they were to approach us next year to come back to Chorley we would obviously consider what they had to say, but when they moved out of Chorley they said they wanted a 120 acre site and Astley Park only has 50 acres.

"We offered them a permanent site at the old Ellerbeck Colliery on Wigan Road and spent two years getting £163 million in government grants only for them to turn around and say they weren't interested."

Organisers are currently considering the show's future. Chairman Rennie Pinder said he could not rule out a change of venue but refused to speculate on a possible return to Chorley. He said: "We are currently holding meetings to dictate any future course of action that needs to be taken."

Meanwhile Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle blamed traffic problems and not the weather for the failure of the show.

"Looking back to when the show was held in Chorley, one would find it difficult to recall any such delays here with a far better transport infrastructure.

"It is apparent that on the existing transport infrastructure, it would be difficult to return to this location."

Ticket holders for the last day of the show should apply for a refund in writing to: The Show Secretary, RLAS, 5 Windmill Cottages, Preston New Road, Mellor Brook, Blackburn, BB2 7NT, enclosing tickets and passes.