A popular bike shop which supports people with a range of complex needs in Darlington is closing its doors due to a lack of funding, rising costs and a drop in sales.

Bike Stop, on Skinnergate, has announced it will be closing on May 20 due in part to a "vital loss of funding".

The shop, formed by the charity First Stop Darlington in 2012, provided a vital lifeline for many people over more than a decade.

More than 386 vulnerable people have gained work experience and training with Bike Stop - with more than 55 of them remaining with the enterprise for months and years.

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Tracy Freeman, CEO of First Stop, said: “We have had to make this difficult decision because Bike Stop has faced a perfect storm of losing a contract for cycling/walking from Tees Valley Combined Authority, rising costs, a significant reduction in shop sales due to the cost of living and the after effects of the pandemic.

"The external environment is challenging for any business and especially for a social enterprise that is not only trying to turn a surplus but also to change lives. 

"As we close Bike Stop we want to celebrate all of our achievements over the past ten years.

"We are also very much hoping to create a legacy project, focused on training and workshops, in the future.”

The retailer had supported people with a range of complex needs such as mental health issues, and helped many through its apprenticeship scheme.

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Some 49 members of the public devoted more than 20,000 voluntary hours to support Bike Stop's trainees and pass on mechanic skills alongside their staff mechanics.

An additional four people had apprenticeships provided, all of which resulted in employment.

Rob Archer, Bike Stop retail manager, said: “The team, our volunteers and our customers are devastated to close the doors to Bike Stop.

"The number of people we have supported are countless and we’d like to thank everyone who has supported us all these years."

The shop's donated bike scheme has stopped over 3,600 bikes going into landfill and resulted in 2,600 freshly refurbished bicycles available at affordable prices or being donated for free.

Recently, Darlington Round Table helped Bike Stop donate bikes to children unlikely to have got a Christmas present, while bikes were given to people who were struggling with the cost of living crisis this year.

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During the pandemic, it loaned 47 bikes to NHS staff and carers in Darlington and served as a community hub for hundreds of people.

A Bike Stop spokesperson urged members of the public to visit before they close and said they looked forward to seeing their "friendly supportive faces."

To find out more, visit here.