CYCLISTS in Barrow now face a fine for cycling in the pedestrianised area of the town centre.

Barrow police took to the streets yesterday and will again be out today to give advice and warnings to cyclists flouting the law.

Anyone caught cycling in the pedestrian will get a £50 fine from today.

PC Emmie Doughty, of Barrow Police said: “In a nut shell, cycling has been banned on the pedestrianised area in the town centre for some time.

“We have been aware of complaints that have been made to us about people cycling and a recent accident which involved an elderly female being run over and sustaining some serious injuries.

“As part of the force wide week of action we have added this issue to the list of things we are dealing with this week.

“This is not a one week event but will be a sustained focus going forward.

“We have decided to advise people for the first couple of days and then take enforcement action.

“Anyone found to be contravening this will receive a £50 fine.”

One shopper said: “I am sick to death of cyclists. They pick and choose which rules to follow.”

A Dalton resident said: “Every weekend you’ll see them riding through town without any care for the people around them - They’re a danger, especially to kids or the elderly.”

Cllr Bill McEwan said: "As Chair of the Highways sub group I welcome this news as it is a concern I have raised at one of our meetings which the police attend, particularly Portland Walk where we have had pedestrians hit in the past - I myself have had a near miss."