A CIVIC chief has criticised a local cycle group for opposing changes to cycle parking in the city centre.

Members of Cycle Winchester were seen at St Maurice’s Covert in the High Street campaigning against the removal of 15 bike racks.

Cllr Caroline Brook, portfolio holder for built environment, disputed the group’s standpoint and claims that ‘the steering group gave it’s unanimous support’ for the action.

She said: “The opposition to this is unreasonable in my view, especially as I have made clear that it is my intention to increase the number of undercover storage racks for cycles in the city centre and arranged a walkabout to identify locations that Cycle Winchester would support.

“I also find it completely puzzling that some cyclists are complaining about the removal of these racks when the original alternative location was suggested as Colebrook Street - less than 200 yards away.”

Cllr Brook has confirmed that the council is also looking into putting a covered rack outside of The Brooks if it will not damage the trees in Middle Brook Street.

She added: “All this is known to Cycle Winchester but they have chosen not to mention it and the only response is that Colebrook Street isn’t central enough - a position I think many people will find hard to comprehend.

“We are trying to restore the Covert to a useable space and, frankly, if we suggested putting cycle racks against any other historic building, there would be uproar.”

The campaigners claimed they were against the removal proposals because they are ‘well used’ and the ‘only public under-cover stands in central Winchester.’

Andy Key, of Cycle Winchester, said: “Local cyclists support the decision to refurbish the Covert but believe that replacement undercover stands can be located at the back of it.At a time when the Winchester Movement Strategy is advocating measures to encourage cycling and walking, it’s madness for the council to be cutting down the number of cycle racks.”