Huntingdon street rangers ask 400 cyclist to dismount in two weeks

HUNTINGDON’S new street rangers have asked more than 400 cyclists to dismount in the High Street – in just two weeks.

Figures collected by BID Huntingdon, which employs the rangers, show that the three part-time workers have also assisted police on nine occasions as well as dealing with three instances of shoplifting and three cases of anti-social behaviour. They have also cleared up litter and graffiti.

But the reaction to the rangers among businesses is mixed.

Paul Attoe, an artist at Inksygnia tattoos, said: “They’re good actually. They seem like they’re doing a good job at getting people off their bikes on the High Street. They asked me very nicely to get off mine the other day so they’re doing their job well.”

However, Karenza Sawa who runs Krafty Kats gifts and craftware shop with her sister Leenda, said: “I didn’t even know they’d started. Someone came in the other day to rearrange some leaflets but that’s about it.”

BID manager Katy Sismore said that the first couple of weeks of rangers’ work were about cleaning up and that business services and visits would now increase.

She said: “Business visits are just beginning now in week three and the rangers will be handing out cards with the mobile number of the duty rangers.”