Cyclists are urging the Royal Parks to consider a dual use pathway in Hampton’s Dukes Head Passage after signs banning cycling were put up.

“No cycling” signs appeared along the path, off Hampton Hill High Street near the pool, last week, and the move has been labelled an “overreaction” by cyclists and a Hampton councillor.

Richard Barrett, 62, lives in nearby Manor Gardens and said he uses the path, which connects Hampton Village to Teddington, Kingston and East Molesey, every day.

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The consultant geologist said: “Put simply, the path is the most direct, shortest and quickest access route from Hampton Village into the park and to Kingston, Teddington, and Hampton Court.

“It is also is the safest.”

Mr Barrett added: “At a time when London is moving towards greener ways of living, the Royal Parks seem disconnected - if not rowing backwards - with this proposal.”

Councillor for Hampton Gareth Roberts also criticised the move, which he referred to as a complete overreaction.

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Natasha Murray (left) is among those unimpressed with the new signage in the Dukes Head Passage

Cllr Roberts said: “Pedestrians, Cyclists and Dog Walkers have managed to rub along together perfectly well for decades along Duke's Head Passage with little, if anything, in the way of confrontation.

“I'm currently pressing for a rethink on the part of the Royal Parks Management and I hope they'll come to see sense."

A Royal Parks spokesman said the passage had never actually been a designated cycle path and it is a narrow pathway that has to be managed for the enjoyment of park users.

He said: “As a reminder of this we have placed signage near the path asking dogs to be put on leads and no cycling.”

He added: “We’re not excluding anyone from using this pathway, and we feel that walking with your bike for 10 minutes (at the most) or keeping your dog on a lead are very small compromises that will benefit all park users.”