Village bicycle stands leave people racked off

The cycle racks dividing opinion online

Bike racks placed near a Worcestershire pub are so messy, according to tongue-in-cheek critics, they seem to have been installed under the influence of booze.

Other miffed residents say the county council provision - on narrow pavement next to a road - takes up too much room, posing problems for wheelchairs.

But moans don't totally dominate the feedback to a council Facebook post on the racks, placed outside the Queen Elizabeth Inn in Elmley Castle. One user said the real problem was the comments themselves, which they branded "negative" and "toxic". Another said the stands had been "well used" since their appearance.

A council spokeswoman said improvements at the site would be made next week.

The authority had previously said of the installation: "Whether you're out for a scenic spin or just pedalling to the pub, we've got you covered."

That rationale, however, has not been enough to stop the naysayers from, well, racking up.

The Spacing and angles of the apparatus have been criticised, along with resurfacing work. One Facebook user wrote: "What did they use to install them, a hand grenade?"

Another joked that workers seemed to have put in the racks "after a few pints".

One a more serious point, someone else remarked of the stands' siting: "That [pub] is a listed building and [the racks look] appalling! Where is the thought for the less mobile residents, wheelchairs and even parents with prams?"

They added: "Waste of money in my opinion and detrimental to the character of this beautiful village and building."

A commentator feeling more supportive wrote: "Great initiative – it has been well used since the installation and is much appreciated."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "We will be carrying out further works to improve the appearance of the bases of the bicycle racks - this is scheduled to be carried out next week."

Elmley Castle is described by its parish council as "one of the most beautiful villages in Worcestershire and probably in England".

The village nestles below the slopes of Bredon Hill in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.