Kettering Council is considering whether to allow cyclists to ride through the pedestrian zones at all times, or outside peak times – or to leave the rule as it is.

Shopkeepers, cyclists and members of the public were asked whether they thought cyclists should be allowed in High Street, Gold Street, Lower Street and Meadow Road.

There was a mixed reaction to the survey with 64 per cent of retailers and the public saying they would not want the restricted areas opened up to cyclists.

But the survey also found 70 per cent of the public and 93 per cent of businesses would want unlimited access for cyclists in the town centre if the restrictions were lifted.

Max Scott, who lives in Rothwell and is a member of the Cyclists’ Touring Club, said it was illogical that cars are allowed to drive through Gold Street outside of peak hours but cyclists are banned.

He said: “I voted for cyclists to be allowed through the town centre at all times.

“It makes it difficult if you can’t get through – you have to use a different route and it does restrict you.

“If you approach the town centre from Sheep Street, where do you go from there?”

Kettering Council could change the policy through the town centre as part of its connection with the Green Links Project, a £1m scheme to implement cycling and walking routes through the town.

Any major changes would need to be authorised by Northamptonshire County Council before they could be put in place.

As part of the countywide transport plan any plans promoting exercise or removing barriers to healthier transport options should be approved by councils.

Kettering Council will discuss the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday at 7pm at the municipal offices in Bowling Green Road.