THE cycle track between Nailsworth, Stroud and Stonehouse is unsuitable for commuters and committed cyclists, it is claimed.

The state of the route is so bad that Green county councillor Sarah Lunnon has called for a bike path on the road alongside it.

She says sections of the route, which follows the old railway line between the towns, is not fit for most commuters.

"It is well used as a leisure path but what's needed is some decent, well-lit cycle facilities on the roads," she said.

"If you want to commute you want to go on the road because it takes you where you want to go."

The path is popular with dog walkers and families but the surface in some stretches is too rough for road bikes and too muddy for commuters.

The path is owned and maintained by Gloucestershire County Council.

Members of Stroud Valleys Cycling Club say the track could be better.

Ray Gibbs, 66, from Stroud, said: "It's safer than the road. It's quite a nice route but it has got worse and worse."

When Coun Lunnon (Stroud East) brought the matter up at Gloucestershire County Council's full meeting she asked what status the track should have because it currently has none.

Coun Stan Waddington (Con, Nailsworth and Minchinhampton), the cabinet member for the environment, said: "Gloucestershire Highways carries out maintenance work on a needs basis. This arrangement works well for the majority of users and the county and I do not consider any change in its status is necessary at present."

He added: "I have been pleased to see the number of people, including young children, using the path for both walking and cycling and I have expressed concern that some of the improvements suggested by local cycle groups could put other users at risk."

Coun Lunnon replied: "Given that it is not going to be upgraded for adequate cycle provision, can Coun Waddington give assurances that on-road provision will be made instead?"

He said there was no need to upgrade the legal status of the track.