Cyclists in Chippenham town centre are being warned they will be fined if they do not dismount in the High Street.

Police have had complaints about cyclists moving at high speed through the pedestrianised area,where cycling is banned.

Several people were almost knocked down and the community beat manager for the town centre said it was becoming such a problem, officers would now be issuing fixed penalties to the culprits.

PC John Brixey said: “There has been a rising number of complaints about people cycling through the town centre. It’s not just the cycling that’s the problem but also the speed.

“I have seen more than one near miss with elderly ladies and I would hate people to get injured, it is avoidable.

“Police have certain powers and while in the past we have been issuing words of advice, if the current spate continues we will be giving out tickets which will set the offenders back £40.”