The position at present is that the Abbey Fields is a no cycling area but this is not upheld and we all know how often we have encountered cyclists putting all pedestrians at risk. To even think of partially rescinding those Byelaws to allow a cycle path through the fields would encourage many more people to assume that the area is free to use for cyclists.

The existing path from Bridge Street to the swimming pool is the main route to the play area for families with children. This should not even be considered as suitable for more vehicular traffic. It also leads to an area which can become very congested on both sides of the swimming pool. With the natural course of the brook with its pedestrian bridges there is no scope there for making that a cyclists route.

Has anyone done a survey of cyclists to see how they wish to use the route? Is it recreational or are many using it to get to work? Much time and research needs to be given to this problem. We have to ensure that resolutions made are for the benefit of the whole community. The Abbey Fields are such a unique feature of our town the facilities must be protected for the most vulnerable of its users ie the children and the elderly.