77080-272RESIDENTS want a blitz on cyclists riding illegally in the town centre to be extended to cover Gorse Hill.

They say riders tearing along pavements in the area have sent pensioners and mothers, pushing children in prams, sprawling.

Police are cracking down on cyclists who break the law by refusing to dismount in the pedestrian area in the town centre.

Offenders face a £30 on-the-spot fine which must be paid within 28 days.

Brian Best, manager of the Gorse Hill Community Centre, welcomed the initiative but questioned why it didn't cover other problem areas.

He said one family walking along a pavement in Cricklade Road suffered a tirade of abuse because they were in the way of a rider.

"A man, his wife and grandchild were walking three abreast and the cyclist brushed past the shoulder of the man which caused him to wobble on his bike," he said.

"He (the rider) got off and threatened to alter the man's face.

"It is a real concern and we want to see the policy extended elsewhere."

Clive Hunt, of the Green Hut drop-in centre, said that up to 30 cyclists a day flouted the law.

As well as Cricklade Road, problem spots include Gipsy Lane, Tydeman Street and Chapel Street.

"People and prams have been knocked over and an old lady was spun round outside the Salvation Army shop," said Mr Hunt.

"It's all well and good covering the town centre but what about us?

"We want something to stop this from happening before someone is seriously hurt."

Coun Maurice Fanning (Lab), who represents the area, said problems arose when cyclists continued to ride on pavements after cycle paths ended.

"I would like to see the crackdown introduced in areas like Gorse Hill," he said.

"We want to encourage people to take sufficient care to ensure that nobody is hurt."

Town centre police officers, who have just been joined by two community support officers, will enforce the crackdown.

Cyclists must dismount when entering the central pedestrian core around Bridge Street, Regent Street, Canal Walk and the Parade.

It is part of a push to make the town centre more attractive and less intimidating to shoppers.

Sergeant Robin Colbourne said: "We are aware that cyclists are flouting traffic legislation not only in the Town Centre but also in other parts of the town, including Gorse Hill.

"Riding a bicycle on the pavement is an offence. It is also dangerous for pedestrians, especially those who are disabled and/or elderly who cannot get out of the way easily.

"Any offences witnessed by an officer will be dealt with accordingly."

Ben Payne