"Upgrading it from a footpath to a cycle track will allow the county council to introduce safety measures in the form of new barriers, cycle warning markings and pedestrian/cycling shared use signage"

Suffolk County Council has put forward plans to transform footpath 19, which runs from Cullum Road to West Suffolk Hospital in Hardwick Lane, into a cycle route.

But Bury St Edmunds Town Council and Bury Ramblers have objected to the plans, saying the path is too narrow to accommodate cyclists.

On November 7, Suffolk Conty Council’s Rights of Way Committee met to discuss the path.

Chairman of Bury St Edmunds Town Council, Stefan Oliver, said: “Basically, it’s too narrow.If a bike comes speeding down there and meets an old lady walking along or a parent with a buggy they are going to meet.

“The path is just not wide enough - we felt it will be dangerous.

“We quite understand why people would want such a track but don’t think this path is suitable.”

The ramblers Footpath Secretary, Brian Bagnall, said: “Despite telling them how narrow it is in places they still want to go ahead and turn it into a cycle track.

“Safety should come before making spaces for cyclists.”

A Suffolk County Council spokesperson said: “Footpath 19 is already used by cyclists.

“Upgrading it from a footpath to a cycle track will allow the county council to introduce safety measures in the form of new barriers, cycle warning markings and pedestrian/cycling shared use signage.

“These measures were recommended in a safety audit undertaken as part of the scheme.”