The Lib Dems are pushing for Barclays cycle hire scheme to be extended in Islington

Fresh calls have been made for the “Boris Bikes” hire scheme to be extended to the north of the borough.

An opposition councillor wants to see the cycle docking stations introduced in areas such as Finsbury Park, Upper Holloway, Tufnell Park and Archway.

They are already a familiar sight in the southern end of Islington.

Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Lib Dem transport spokesman, said: “It’s madness that we are an inner London borough but we are so poorly served by it.

“Other boroughs are doing far more to have the scheme in their area but Islington is at risk of being left behind.

”It would be a fitting Olympic legacy if Islington and Transport for London could announce this year the expansion of the scheme across the borough.”

A spokesman for TfL suggested north Islington residents shouldn’t hold their breath as the next priority is expanding the scheme in the west of the capital.