A CYCLE shop is set for a ‘new era’ after celebrating its 40th birthday.

Ron Spencer Cycles was first opened on Orford Lane in 1978, celebrating its 40th birthday this year.

But now the bike store will be moving from its familiar home and into new premises on Crossley Street, near to the town centre.

The business was set up by Ron and Margaret Spencer when the couple were in their 30s.

They would go on to serve the people of Warrington with new bikes and repair ‘until their last days’.

Their children Suzy and Paul Spencer took over the running of the store around five years ago.

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After four decades, Ron Spencer Cycles has now closed its Orford Lane store - but it is set to open up at new premises near to the Cockhedge roundabout in mid-January.

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Suzy said: “It’s a new era - we’re moving on and other people will be moving in.

“We have sold the premises, so in the New Year there will be a new shop opening there.

“We’re relocating now, and the new shop will be opening soon.

“While we’re not moving too far, obviously for a lot of people the shop has been a bit of a landmark with it having been open so long.

“We won’t be a fixture on Orford Lane anymore, but we’re not closing down - we’re just relocating.”

Suzy will always have fond memories of the business’ traditional location on Orford Lane.

She added: “I remember when the shop at the back of the house would be full to the brim with loads of bikes all boxed up, ready to go out.

“We were probably shifting about 60 or 70 bikes a week back then - it was so busy.

“Orford Lane has changed a lot over the years - years and years ago it used to be full of shops, but now it’s just hairdressers and takeaways.

“The post office, the bakery, the pram shop, the sports shop, the clothes shops - there was all sorts of different shops back in the day.

“But retail has changed, and shopping trends have changed with the growth of the internet.

“Because of that, we’re now going to be focussing more on products for athletes and road bikes - as well as giving great customer service, which you can’t get online.

“We’d just like to thank all our customers for all their support.”