CHILDREN taking cycling tests in a Barrhead street are risking injury because the location is too busy with traffic, it has been claimed.

Worried resident Patricia Houston says the tests near a busy corner of the town are “an accident waiting to happen” after a boy’s bike hit her parked car.

Ms Houston alleges the young cyclists from Carlibar Primary are not under proper control and the location, near the junction of Murray Place and Stewart Street, has too much traffic for it to be safe for the youngsters.

She said: “I have nothing against the tests - it’s important that youngsters learn to cycle safely - but this is not the right location.

“There is just too much traffic.”

Ms Houston said she first became concerned about the location after her garden fence was damaged by kids leaning on it while waiting their turn for the tests, which are supervised by a teacher and two council wardens.

She continued: “The situation was not being controlled properly.

“I went out repeatedly to ask them not to lean on the fence but it made no difference and now it’s been damaged, with a couple of slats falling off.”

Ms Houston said the situation got worse when she saw a bike hitting her car.

“Thankfully, the boy seemed to be okay but the incident caused damage to my car,” she added.

“The wheel arch and wing were dented and the driver’s door and rear door were scratched.

“I took it to a local garage and they said it would take around £500 to fix.”

Ms Houston, who called the police to report the incident, is now pursuing an insurance claim with East Renfrewshire Council.

But as she works only part time, she can’t afford to pay upfront for the repair and car hire while waiting for the money to be reimbursed by the council.

She said: “I need a car to get to my work in Paisley and to take my father to hospital appointments - I just don’t know what I am going to do.”

A council spokesman said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience this unfortunate accident has caused Ms Houston.

“All costs relating to the repair and hire car are currently with our insurers and we are doing everything we can to support Ms Houston in this process.

“One pupil lost balance whilst waiting in line for their turn and, regrettably, their handlebars did make contact with the parked car.

“The pupil was standing holding the bike at the time and was totally unhurt, although their parents were notified in line with our standard procedures.”

“Pupils are required to carry out on-road practice for both their training and assessment, with all routes carefully risk assessed prior to being used.

“The well-established location at Murray Place and Stewart Street meets all necessary requirements in relation to pupils’ safety.

“However, following this incident, we will consider an alternative route for next year’s programme to minimise any inconvenience caused to residents, whilst still maintaining this important extra-curricular project.”