THE Hardie Cycle Hub, known as the 'Old Spokes Home', based in Hardie Park, Stanford-le-Hope has reopened to cater for local demand for bike sales, servicing and repairs during lockdown.

The special opening times have been arranged around good weather to ensure safety of all customers and those staffing the hub, ensuring government social distancing guidelines and hygiene practices are adhered to at all times.

Rob Groves, CEO at the park said: "The hub was set up and ready to roll, our workshop was operating, our apprentice Ross had completed his Level 2 Cytech qualification and bike donations were coming in, then COVID19 stalled the hub's progress.

"However, cycling in the area has been the chosen form of exercise for many and we were recently asked if we could open our doors to support demand. It's been an amazing week for the project.

"Donations, servicing and the turnaround of many donated bikes being sold back to the community at low cost. It's a win, win for all. I'd like to say a big thank you to the community for their support over the last week. We hope the craze continues."

The Hardie Cycle Hub, The Old Spokes Home is now open selected days, advertised weekly on the Facebook page @lovehardiepark. From 10am to 4pm the project can offer servicing, re-furbs, bike sales, accessories and cycling advice.

If you have an interest in bikes/cycling and would like to volunteer at the hub once things get back to normal, you can register interest here. or pop down to the park for a chat.