Budleigh Salterton’s anti-seafront cycling campaigners are celebrating a victory after a U-turn decision.

A bid to crack down on illegal esplanade cycling was recently scuppered when Devon County Council (DCC) told the town council new seafront signs enforcing the no-cycling message would not be allowed.

However, the county council this week back-pedalled over its decision, following pressure from district councillor Steve Hall and county councillor Christine Channon.

The county council has revealed the wheels are in motion for no-cycling signs to be added to the seafront next week.

The three rounded stencilled signs will be sprayed onto the path, by the Gentlemen’s Club, the Longboat Caf� and near the Lime Kiln car park.

The U-turn was welcomed by the town council. Members had raised concerns for pedestrian safety.

Ward member councillor Steve Hall this week told Budleigh Salterton Town Council seafront cycling in a ‘controlled way’ was the route forward.

He said the county council was keen, long term, for a complete cycle path – which was likely to incorporate Budleigh’s seafront.

Cllr Hall said: “The only logical way forward is a dividing line allowing a cycling path and a footpath on the other side. I think we should explore that in the future.

“The bigger picture is, we have no real problem with people cycling along the seafront. It should be managed in a completely different way.”

Ward member councillor Tom Wright said educating cyclists in pedestrian safety was the way forward, rather than a total ban.

Cllr Wright said: “We won’t stop cyclists using it, but we need to encourage it in a sensible way.”