Mr Bike bicycle shop in Farndon to relocate to Lombard Street, Newark

A popular bike business is relocating into the town centre days before its sixth anniversary.

Bicycle shop ‘Mr Bike’ in Farndon first opened its doors on August 13, 2019, but will reopen at 37 Lombard Street, Newark, on Wednesday (August 7).

The move to the new site opposite the former nightclub Atrium will mean owner Nigel Watkin, of Newark, has just a third of the space he did in Farndon.

Nigel said: “I think footfall will be really good in the town centre and I think it will also think it could be good for that area in the town.

“I think it could put a bit of life back into that part of the town which would be quite good.”

After six years of a successful business, Nigel felt forced to move premises as he said his rent increased by 33% on April 1.

“My rent went up £600 and I always said I would never go into town because of the council tax and all, but with all my bills here, in town I am charged small business rates and no council tax, it is good,” said Nigel.

Nigel was a triathlete in 1984 but had to have a break due to an injury. He decided to buy a bicycle to keep his fitness up.

He did a duathlon, which made him realise how much he enjoyed cycling and led to the next stage of his life — quit building and start his own business.

He said: “Then I wanted to know how to build a bike, so I did a course, found out how to build a bike, and looked after my own bike that way.

“And six years ago, I sort of decided to retire from the building game and thought I didn’t want to stop working, which was when I decided to open this place.”

Nigel used to get his bike serviced by Dr Bike but when the shop closed down and the business owner heard it was going to be turned into offices, he decided to open an updated version of the previous business and establish — Mr Bike.

The shop specialises in second-hand bikes, it provides repairs, sales and bike washing.

The last trading day at the Farndon site will be on Wednesday (July 31).