Stallholders say nuisance cyclists are a danger in Mansfield Market

Traders say it is only a matter of time before someone is injured by teenagers who speed through the gaps between stalls at least a dozen times a day.

Stallholder Stephen Louth said: There is an epidemic of idiots riding bikes down here and nothing is being done about it.

“It is supposed to be a pedestrianised area and they are riding straight through here at speed

“It is very dangerous and one of our friends was knocked down recently outside Beales on her dinner break.

“There is no respect. they ride their bikes dangerously fast.

I have told the police but they say they have no resources.

I feel sorry for elderly people . They are doing their shopping and there have been some very close shaves.

Stallholder Vinnie Overton called for better signs prohibiting cycling in the market place. He said: “.As soon as the school comes out this place is filled with bikes and skateboards.

“The police came with a mobile police station and put A Frame boards up saying no cycling allowed. But the day after they had gone with nothing to follow it up.”

Coun Mick Barton, portfolio holder for public protection at Mansfield District Council, said: “We are aware of issues with cyclists in pedestrianised areas of Mansfield town centre and have been working with Nottinghamshire Police in a bid to tackle it. We have also had discussions with Nottinghamshire County Council about the possibility of them putting up signs.

“We are currently gathering evidence as part of plans to deal with the issue under a Public Spaces Protection Order. This would give Neighbourhood Wardens, in addition to the police, powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices.”