THERE has been an outpouring of anger after motorists targeted volunteers at a community event.

Marshals patrolling roads closed for a Christmas lights switch-on were reportedly targeted with verbal abuse and one came inches from being run over.

The incidents were said to have happened at Dalton's festive switch-on event on Sunday night.

A town centre road was closed for around 45 minutes to allow the event to go ahead.

But motorists were said to have targeted marshals at the closure points, with police at one point forced to step in.

A statement by Dalton Town Council said: "The Town Council would like to express their thanks to our volunteer marshals who helped out with road closures and other duties at the Christmas Switch On event yesterday, your help was invaluable.

"The road closure of Market Street between Cleator Street and Queen Street was only in operation for approx. 45 minutes, which was less than the allocated time, however our marshals were subjected to verbal abuse at two of the closure points by four separate vehicles."

Dalton said: "Dalton has a number of totally inconsiderate, impatient, arrogant drivers who need sorting out. Many residents are fed up with their antics."

Maureen Balding said: "Terrible, I hope they were charged by the police."

Katja Saskia Elizabeth said: "What is wrong with people? Is there not any kindness left?"

Nick Watson said: "There really are some idiots out there. Hope the marshals are okay and hope the people who were doing the abuse are ashamed."

Brian Sinclair said: "Disgraceful, these marshals give up their own time to help keep other people safe. The last thing they need is local people giving them a hard time. Names and registrations should have been taken and fined. They wont do it again."