Illegal cycling in Great Yarmouth Market Place is one of three new priorities for the town's police force.

Eastern Daily Press: Market Row, Great Yarmouth. Picture: James BassMarket Row, Great Yarmouth. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2013)

A meeting of the town's Safer Neighbourhood Action panel last Thursday saw residents put forward their proposals for police priorities over the coming months.

Drugs in the Artillery Square area of South Yarmouth and tractors causing issues for residents in the Martham/Hemsby were the other priorities chosen.

The cycling priority will see officers clamp down on cyclists in Market Row and Broad Row, who are not dismounting when in the no cycling area.

This newspaper reported in August how traders in Market Row felt it was 'only a matter of time' until someone was hurt in an accident involving a cyclist in the row.

And some raised fears that the row lane was being used as a 'racetrack'.

Ian Stannard, who runs Home Sweet Home and Del Boys Trading Depot, said at the time: 'We're being plagued by kids on their bikes coming down here.

'They're coming past really fast and pulling wheelies and stuff, which you don't really want in such a skinny row, and they come past everyday.

'There's not many shops left in the town centre anyway and it is affecting the business quite badly.

'I've had customers come to the shop and tell me they won't come anymore because I'm scared of getting run over by kids on bikes.

'After 2pm I might as well shut up shop because it's like a racetrack and they come right up close to the shop doors.'

Mark Sturgess, who owns and operates Mark's Pantry, said the consequences could be dire if one of the cyclists collides with an elderly or frail person.

He said: 'You don't look both ways because it's not a main road. My biggest worry is an old dear is going to step out and bang - the young lad will perhaps break his collar bone and for her it could be much, much worse.'

Norfolk County Council pledged to work with partner agencies, including police, to tackle the problem.

What do you think about cycling in the rows? Does it need clamping down on? Email andrew.fitchett@archant.co.uk