A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER has claimed a child is going to be killed if cycling is allowed to continue on the promenade.

Julie Sprules, 71, is calling for a ban on cyclists being able to cycle along the proms between certain times all year – not just during the summer period.

Currently Bournemouth council’s cycling regulations allow for cycling at all times – with the exception of the summer when cycling is banned along the promenade from 10am to 6pm throughout July and August.

But Mrs Sprules, who lives in Saxonbury Road in Bournemouth, wants to see cyclists prevented from riding along the seafront between 8am and 7pm all year.

“Cycling along there is just so dangerous,” said Mrs Sprules.

“I know there are signs that say there is a 10mph speed limit but people just ignore them.

“And if you stop them to ask them to slow down or remind them of the speed limit all you get is abuse.

“Something needs to be done before a child gets killed. It’s no use just having no cycling on the proms during July and August it needs to be all the time.

“Only last month I saw a little girl aged about three almost get killed by a cyclist.

“He had his headphones in as well so couldn’t hear everyone yelling at him to look out.

“Personally I don’t want to see a little child killed or injured while I’m out at the beach.”

Following a 12-month trial which ended last year cyclists are now allowed to ride through Bournemouth Square and across Pier Approach.

But the council has said that no other changes to cycling along the promenade.

According to a council spokesman the current regulations and speed limit are “self-regulated” and that “most people respect the restrictions”.

The Seafront Rangers enforce where necessary and approximately four prosecutions were made in 2015.

Chris Saunders, head of operations, said: “There are no plans to change the cycling regulations on the seafront and the council will continue to promote the beach as a safe environment for all to enjoy.”