A VANDAL is sprinkling tin tacks on Wirral Way paths in what is believed to be a vendetta against cyclists.

Several cyclists have suffered punctures and police and Wirral Council are now investigating.

Cyclist Donald Maxwell uses the Wirral Way daily and last Wednesday came across four people in half-an-hour who had flat tyres.

“Apparently, this has been happening daily and many other people have been left to walk miles home with their bikes,” he said.

“One man I helped would have had to walk six miles home to Heswall and another lady to West Kirby.

“The person who is doing this knows exactly what they are doing as the tacks are the perfect size - they are just small enough if lying flat to pop up when a cyclist rides over one and cause a puncture.

“They are very sharp and had they used a larger tack then it would not have the same effect. The tacks are very difficult to see and are well camouflaged by the rough pathway and loose stones.

“It looks to me like someone has been upset by a cyclist and has decided to exact their revenge.”

Mr Maxwell, 65, from Mossdene Road, Wallasey, added: ““Luckily I carry a puncture repair kit with me and could help out but it’s surprising the amount of cyclists that don’t carry that back up.”

He continued: “I’m not sure that they are aware that by doing this they can also cause damage to dogs and children.

“The tacks are also positioned in the same part of path daily which is quite near to the car park and visitor centre.

“I spoke to the rangers and they said that they have been using blowers every day in order to try and get rid of the tacks. I was told that several staff have also been affected with punctures.

“Everyone at the centre has known about this, yet none of the cyclists who used the path have been warned. I can’t believe that someone would be so petty as to make a point of coming daily to put down the tacks. It’s dangerous, criminal and a stupid thing to do.”

Councillor Bob Moon, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “It would appear that this is a concerted effort by someone or some people to cause disruption to regular visitors to the Wirral Way.

“Our rangers have been making every effort to clear the path as effectively as possible, but is an impossible task to remove every single tack, particularly when whoever is responsible is coming back to leave more.

“Whatever the motives for doing this, I can’t believe anyone could be so mindless and irresponsible.

“The Wirral Way and Wirral Country Park, particularly in the last couple of years when we’ve spent some £500,000 on improving the quality and accessibility of the path, is used daily by walkers, pet-owners with their dogs, parents with young children and with pushchairs, people in wheelchairs and riders on horseback, as well as cyclists and joggers.

“It’s becoming extremely likely that a person or animal is going to suffer an injury as a result of these actions, so it is important that it stops now.

“We would urge visitors to take care when they use the park, but also be vigilant too and let the rangers know if they see anything or anybody suspicious.

“They can be contacted at the visitor centre on 648 4371.

“The police have also been informed about these incidents and when the person or people responsible have been identified, they will be dealt with by the police.”