THURROCK Council has been criticised by a cycling campaigner for 'finding time and money to put up dismount signs' rather than making life easier for pedestrians and cyclists.

Matt Hill, who is the driving force being the Thurrock Cycling campaign was angered when the council put up new 'cyclist dismount' signs, around a pedestrian underpass.

The underpass, which allows safe passage across the Manorway between the Sorrells and Stanford town centre via Hardie Park, is also on a recognised cycle path (NCN13).

The pavement and cycle route splits around the entrance to the underpass and if cyclists go one way they have to negotiate a narrow 'A' frame gate which stops their progress.

But most avoid it and go around the other way – which, says Mr Hill, makes the frame a complete waste of time.

His has been asking to council to remove it because it not only inconveniences cyclists but also people in wheelchairs and with prams.

But rather than do that the council has now posted new 'cyclist dismount' signs on the secondary route – again something Mr Hill points out is completely pointless and waste of resources.

He says: "The 'A' frame serves no purpose except to hinder people on bikes, but what is it's point when most cyclists would go round the block.

"They have put these signs up. They are not mandatory. Rather than find time and money to put a cyclist dismount sign up why not get rid of this very annoying 'A' frame which has got repercussions regarding the disability act and it breaches government guidelines.

"The cyclists would not go the other way is the frame wasn't there so you don't need the signs.

"This is really not encouraging people to cycle."