A couple of old chestnuts in this months column but I make no apologies for returning to my first subject, and that is one of cycling. Now cycling is not only a great way to exercise, it is also helping the environment too, I too am a cyclist but what I do not do is cycle on the footpath and that is what some of you do in Elstead. I know this by the number of complaints I get from unsuspecting residents who tell me that they have nearly been knocked over by cyclists riding on the pavements  and footpaths. The matter was even raised at a recent parish council meeting. Up until now I have been very lenient with offending cyclists giving words of advice only, but my leniency is about to end. Did you know that the maximum penalty for cycling on a footpath is 5 years imprisonment, actually that's not quite true it is a £30.00 fine but it's still not a risk worth taking, so please keep to the roads and let the walkers use the footpaths. Whilst on the subject of bikes, with the darker evenings now upon us please take time to check that your lights are operating properly, if you have poorly maintained lights or if you no lights at all and you are caught riding after dark that is also a fine of £30.00. So in the interests of safety take 5 minutes to check all's in order.

Secondly the subject of Knockers has come up again, well Nottingham Knockers to be precise. Yes I know that I have mentioned them in previous articles but they have been back in the village in the last few weeks or so and I believe it's worth mentioning again, ( in case you have forgotten the knockers in question try to sell goods at your door ) so