Cyclists have suffered a series of punctures after tacks were left strewn across Swansea prom.
Six tyres belonging to the Santander next bike rental scheme were punctured in one afternoon, forcing two out of action until they were repaired.
The other punctures were received by a cargo transporter used to move bikes from one station to another.
The damage was caused after the vehicles encountered the tacks, which are suspected to have been left deliberately, between Swansea ’s Civic Centre and the Cenotaph.
A spokesman for Bikeability Wales, which administers the Santander cycle scheme, said it was hugely frustrating.
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“We can't say for sure, but we feel fairly certain they were left there deliberately.
“You will usually find small items of stone or glass or wire on the path, but you do not expect to see what looks like brand new tacks.
“It means we have to bring the bikes back to our workshop, take the wheels off, see to the inner tube, repair the punctures and it all takes up a lot of time.
“We expect to have the odd puncture, but to have so many in a day is unusual."
He added: “We have also recently recovered bikes and found two punctures in three days, which is why we think that these were left deliberately.
“It drives you to distraction”.
Other cyclists have also reportedly experienced similar punctures in recent weeks, further along the prom towards Mumbles, close to Ripples Cafe.
Despite the damage to cycles, Bikeability Wales said the Santander next bike rental scheme continued to prove highly popular, with the scheme recently having witnessed its fifth highest month for rentals
A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “Police in Swansea have been made aware of tacks being left on a cycle path along Oystermouth Road.
“Enquiries are ongoing and officers are liaising with the local authority.
“Anyone with information about those responsible, or who witnesses anything suspicious, is urged to contact 101 or speak to officers on patrol in the area”.
