A DOG owner whose beloved pet needed surgery after being hit by a cyclist is calling for new safety measures on the Kirklees Trail.

Roger Brand's dog Oscar, a two-year-old cocker spaniel, was injured earlier this month and he is now urging other nearby residents to help clamp down on speeding cyclists.

The 43-year-old, from Tottington, was walking his dog on the trail when the rider crashed into them and continued on without stopping, leaving Oscar with nasty cuts.

Mr Brand said: "We would like a cycle lane or some other means of slowing cyclists down, like re-introducing pinch points.

"There have been a few incidents where dogs have been hit or cyclists have come off their bike. We need a code of conduct for the Kirklees Trail.

"Oscar suffered cuts and needed stitches and an operation. What I keep thinking is that it could have been a child.

"The shocking thing is that the cyclist didn't event stop to make sure Oscar was okay, he just kept on going.

"It is a shared path, not a cycle route. People are going fast down there because they want to beat their times recorded on their app, but if they want to go that fast they should be on the road.

"This is getting out of hand and it is only a matter of time before someone else gets hurt."

Mr Brand contacted his local councillor, Yvonne Wright, in a bid to tackle the issue and she is encouraging other concerned residents to send her their views.

Cllr Wright said: "We are asking residents if they would support the idea of a cycle lane on part of the Lines. Cyclists don't appear to have any way of warning pedestrians so a separation lane could be the only way to reduce these incidents."

Views can be emailed to y.s.wright@bury.gov.uk