The Forum has banned bicycles after a toddler was hit by a cyclist.

The Sittingbourne shopping centre put up signs earlier this week saying bikes were not allowed and must not be taken onto the site.

The ban also covers scooters and skateboards, which cannot be ridden or pushed through the mall. Dogs are also not allowed.

Monica Rana, centre manager, said: “We’ve been having real problems with children going through on their bikes.

“A toddler got hit during the Easter holidays and was really shaken up by it. They must have been about three and were with their mum.”

Although the child was not badly injured, Miss Rana thought enough was enough and fears more injuries if nothing is done.

She also said some adults had been confrontational when asked by staff to remove bikes and skateboards from the centre.

Now large signs have been installed telling people to leave these outside on racks provided.

Security and other Forum staff will also speak to anyone they see with bikes, reminding them of the policy.

Miss Rana added: “It’s so dangerous and we’ve got to do something now. We’re not doing it to dampen anyone’s fun, but it’s a community shopping centre and we do have a lot of customers. Some are elderly.

“There has to be a blanket ban otherwise people see others doing it and think it’s acceptable and it’s not.

“An incident has already occurred and thankfully it was not serious but we hope the public will understand and support us.”