I write to draw your attention to the significant increase in the number of cyclists using the footpaths on Waterside following the recent erection of the "Cycle route ahead" signs.

It is evident that the signs are being interpreted by cyclists as authority to use the pedestrian footpaths as cycleways.

Presumably, the signs refer to the recently surfaced path alongside the cemetery but there is no sign at the Waterside end to say it is a cycle route.

Waterside is a hazardous road for cyclists and they are obviously (and understandably) using the pedestrian footpaths rather than the road to access and exit the cemetery cycle route.

This is potentially dangerous as on these busy footpaths there are pedestrians emerging from their front garden gates, disabled people in invalid chairs, mothers with small children and many pedestrians en route to and from town and the hospital.

The problem needs to be dealt with urgently before there is an accident involving pedestrians.

It might be said that it is the responsibility of the police to stop the illegal use of footpaths for cycling but policemen are rarely seen in Evesham and in any event, it would be a full time job.

It seems to me that as the problem appears to have been created by the new signs the solution might be to remove the signs or to erect "No Cycling" signs at strategic positions along the footpaths on both sides of Waterside.

R J Briggs, Waterside, Evesham

Geoff Cox, of Wychavon Highways Partnership, said: "The signs are to warn motorists that there is a cycle route ahead and they can expect cyclists to be joining or leaving the carriageway.

"Cycling on footpaths is illegal and is a matter for the police.

"Consideration is being given to the marking of advisory cycle lanes along Waterside to give more protection to cyclists and to draw motorist's attention to their presence."