PLANS to open up the pedestrianised town centre to cyclists are "a recipe for disaster" a Bolton man claims.

Arnold Tyson says Bolton will no longer be an "Altogether Better Place" for shoppers if the controversial idea goes ahead.

And even the town's cyclists agree that riders and pedestrians will need to be segregated in some way for the idea to work safely.

The council is seeking the public's views on proposed amendments to the Deansgate Pedestrian Priority Zone. People have until Friday to object.

Mr Tyson, of Queensgate, Bolton, said: "However well intentioned, it will give carte blanche to cyclists, both careful and irresponsible ones - usually youngsters on mountain bikes - to ride in a dangerous manner. It will cause havoc especially to the very young, the old and the infirm who have hitherto been able to walk in this area in complete safety.

However Planning and Engineering Services bosses believe it is important to improve access to the town centre for cyclists.

A spokesman said: "The introduction of the proposals will improve accessibility for cyclists. This will pave the way for the council's bid for funding for the Bolton Town Centre Cycle Access Initiative, which will concentrate on providing on-road cycle-friendly infrastructure on the radial routes approaching the town centre."

But Mr Tyson said that some years ago there were problems with cyclists using the precinct. Police clamped down after complaints from the both the local authority and members of the public.

He thinks the problem will arise again if cyclists are encouraged to use the centre.

"Whilst cycling is currently a 'green' issue the mixture of cyclists and pedestrians in a busy narrow thoroughfare is a recipe for disaster.

"Bolton will no longer be 'An Altogether Better Place' for the shopper - they will find it safer to shop in Dumplington."

Bolton Clarion Cycling Club press officer, Rachel Collier, said: "It's an excellent idea to encourage more people to come into the town centre by bike, but it has to be done properly and cyclists need to be segregated from pedestrians in the precincted area.

"There also need to be secure places where bikes can be locked away."

The thoroughfares which could be included are Bridge Street, Corporation Street, Market Street, Lorne Street, Hotel Street, Deansgate and Mealhouse Lane.

Following the public consultation, the Planning and Engineering Committee will decide whether to allow the scheme.

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