CONCERNS have been raised over cyclists who are continuing to ignore restrictions by riding through Bournemouth's Lower Gardens.

Les Brown, who lives in Winton, was shocked and angered to see people on their bikes travelling through the town centre spot over the bank holiday weekend.

The sightings come just weeks after reports in the Daily Echo of a pedestrian who suffered a broken ankle after an an accident with a thoughtless cyclist.

Anne Ball, from West Moors, was left screaming in pain after being tripped up by a dog lead as the cyclist and dog went either side of her.

Mr Brown said some of the cyclists he saw were travelling at speed through the Lower Gardens, which he claimed could have resulted in a bad accident.

Bournemouth Borough Council confirmed cycling is not permitted in this area.

"The way some of them were riding along was so dangerous," Mr Brown said.

"They had no control to stop and avoid people who were walking along. In that area they should be pushing them, it is as simple as that.

"You are putting your own life at risk trying to walk in that part of town now.

"Bournemouth is a busy seaside town and I saw children being forced to jump out of the way because of cyclists speeding through the gardens.

"I don't want to paint them all with the same brush, but a lot of them just don't seem to care about the danger to pedestrians.

Mr Brown added the issue is not entirely restricted to the gardens.

He said in the past four years he has been hit five times by cyclists riding on the pavement around Winton.

The Daily Echo asked Bournemouth Borough Council what assurances could be made for pedestrians travelling through the Lower Gardens.

However, Andy McDonald, Bournemouth Borough Council's head of parks, provided a similar response to the incident involving Ms Ball.

“Cycling isn’t permitted on the main path in the Lower Gardens," Mr Mc Donald said.

"There is a designated cycle route running alongside the gardens which is clearly signposted and we urge cyclists to use it.”

Cllr David Smith, member of the Lower Central Gardens Trust Board, said: "I am concerned to hear that cyclists are still riding their bikes inconsiderately through the Lower Gardens, especially when there is a cycle lane, which runs adjacent to the gardens.

"I will discuss this with our officers to ensure that some enforcement action is taken to try to prevent this from happening."