POLICE stopped cyclists in a pedestrian-only shopping centre after complaints from residents and businesses.

They stopped cyclists in the Bury Street precinct, Abingdon, and warned of the danger to shoppers.

Sgt Kev Hickman said the issue had been raised by the Neighbourhood Action Group, a police-run group where residents can discuss concerns.

And he said anyone caught in the future could get a £30 fine.

Sgt Hickman said: "Cycling in the precinct is causing danger to pedestrians. It affects their quality of life and affects the business owners."

Action group chairman Neil Boston said: “If you look around there are a lot of mothers, elderly people and people on mobility scooters.

“And with all the street furniture, cyclists like to weave around, which can be hazard. They are quite a menace.”

Chairman of Vale Disability Access Mike Moon said two disabled people had been knocked over by cyclists.

He said: “It makes people feel rather angry, intimidated and very unsafe.”

Owner of West End Newsagents in the precinct, Peter Wiblin, said: “These little mishaps with elderly people can affect them very badly.”

One 15-year-old John Mason School pupil stopped during last week’s police operation said he had been cycling through the centre for about five years.

He said: “I did not think you were not allowed to do it.”

Officers also took the opportunity to warn cyclists about recent thefts.

Since August, 60 bikes have been reported stolen in the town.

This included 28 in October but police said numbers fell to three this month after an awareness campaign.

Pc James Barraclough said: “The problem we have got is people do not seem to think it is going to happen to them, and they leave bikes unattended and unlocked.”