A TOWN CENTRE shop is set to be repurposed - at least until the Christmas period.

The former Electric Bike Shop in John Street, Stroud, shut its store in May. 

The store was among several recent closures of town centre shops earlier this year – including Halfords, Four Seasons in Threadneedle Street plus Tomari-Gi. 

Now local community interest company Creative Sustainability – which runs the Access Bike Project – is taking on the space on a pop-up basis for two months, and hoping to set up shop there permanently. 

They're having a launch event from 10am and 2pm on Saturday, November 18  November, where people will be able to browse refurbished bikes and buy new accessories including lights, locks, helmets, and reflective jackets. 

Access Bike Project Manager, James Beecher said: “With the recent closure not only of the Electric Bike Shop, but also Halfords and Wilko in the town centre, we felt we ought to step in and make sure people can still buy lights, locks, helmets and other essential bike kit in town.

"We'll also be selling second-hand bikes which have been refurbished with the help of the young people we support to learn bike mechanics at our workshop in Fromehall Mill, Cainscross.” 

Creative Sustainability chief executive, Anna Bonallack said: “As well as cycling-related work from Access Bike, we'll be showcasing Creative Sustainability's other projects: the Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group, 3rd Space Youth Project, our role in supporting local community hubs, and our Digital Inclusion work

"We would love to hear your ideas for how the space can be of use to the cycling community locally and to the community of Stroud town generally.

"Come along and let us know what you think!” 

Creative Sustainability also supports people to get online and improve their digital skills, and every Friday from 9am to 12 midday, they'll be hosting a Digi Cafe at 10 John St.  

Creative Sustainability Digital Inclusion Officer, Nick Turner said: “Do you have issues with data in town?

"Want some help checking bus timetables on your smartphone?

"I'll be running weekly sessions where people will be able to drop by for free help accessing the internet and doing more online."