FRANKIE Howerd's former home has created traffic chaos and loutish behaviour since it turned into a national tourist attraction, according to villagers. Wacky Frankie memorabilia including his old wig and film mementos have caught the imagination of visit

FRANKIE Howerd's former home has created traffic chaos and loutish behaviour since it turned into a national tourist attraction, according to villagers.Wacky Frankie memorabilia including his old wig and film mementos have caught the imagination of visitors from around the country and the national media. Visitors have flocked to the comedy legend's former home following media coverage from the likes of Radio 4, Newsnight, Have I Got News For You and, most recently, the Guardian newspaper.But sleepy Cross, with a population of about 300, has struggled to cope with the surge in visitors, despite the best efforts of organisers Chris O'Byrne and Dennis Heymer to prevent trouble.Residents have complained about a noisy party at the weekend and councillors discussed problems at an Easter event during their last monthly meeting. Chairman Mike Tobin said: "A considerable amount of complaints were received by councillors about the severe congestion, hazardous manoeuvring and visitors urinating in the hedge. People also raised questions about the signs put up around the village and main roads."Chris' neighbour, Bob Jordan, told the council and Mr O Byrne, who was at the meeting: "I think Chris is to be commended for raising money for good causes. My concern is the scale of the operations and the traffic matters caused by the activities."Chris said: "I pointed out that I have parking for over 1,000 cars on a field, I have marshals every weekend and the events are well signed."I seem to have done everything by the book. I've done the best I can. The signs are everywhere and I can't do any more."A woman at the meeting, who did not give her name, said: "There were more people visiting the beer festival at the other end of the village and causing more problems there than at Chris' event. It didn't have a car park or marshals, but Chris did."Cllr Alison Rix said: "I was impressed by the marshals, who seemed to be doing a good job. "It's a good thing so many new people are coming to the village and seeing what a glorious place we live in."I think enough has been done to try and alleviate the problems. I'm sorry for anyone who has come up against any problems but it has a to be balanced by the good it's doing."Cllr Tobin added: "We'll have to wait and see what other complaints come in when the next event happens.