AN ANDOVER business has closed its doors for good after it became "no longer viable" to continue.

Abbotts Ann Cycles and Tubs in Weyhill Road shut up shop on Saturday, September 1, becoming the second independent cycle shop to close in the town this year.

A message on the business's Facebook page read: “Sadly, It has become no longer viable to run a retail shop with only a very small core supporting the business.

“To succeed at anything you need a desire and a passion. Sadly for me that’s been eroded away over the last year or so with an ever more difficult retail environment.

“I have been trying hard to negotiate a sale of the shop with a major manufacturer but those negotiations have come to an end.

“To those of you that have given us your support and custom and placed their trust in us I’d like to say thank you.”

The message added: “If you have any outstanding workshop jobs or orders then these will be completed and honoured. All bikes need to be collected by the September, 7 otherwise storage charges will be incurred at £5.00 per day.”

In February this year Behind The Bikeshed in Marlborough Street closed its doors for similar reasons.

Mr Baker, who ran the business as a second venture for eight years, said: “There just isn’t enough money in any retail at the moment because of the amount of internet shopping and the discount culture that it incorporates, which is particularly bad in our trade.”

Abbotts Ann Cycles will continue to clear its remaining stock through its eBay store.

The store also made clear that all associations with clubs and ride outs have now ended, including the use of Thruxton circuit on Wednesday evenings.