Kenilworth bicycle shop is offering free emergency repairs for key workers during Covid-19 outbreak

Mike Vaughan Cycles in High Street, Kenilworth, is one of the many bicycle shops around the country which have been designated as an essential service during the current Coronavirus 'lockdown'.

And it is helping key workers stay on the road as they commute to work, particularly as people are being encouraged to reduce their use of public transport.

Mike, the owner of Mike Vaughan Cycles, said: “Whilst we were tempted to shut the shop and volunteer our services elsewhere, we can see that our expertise in bike service and repair can help key workers stay on the road.

"The NHS and other key workers are doing such as fantastic job, we wanted to offer a free bike service.

"That way, they will be confident their bike is roadworthy and in good working order.

"Not only are we offering a free bronze service worth £45, but we’re also giving away a care pack, consisting of a cycle jacket, rucksack cover and light set.

"It’s our way of saying thanks”.

But, like the many businesses which have not been asked to close, the shop is operating and open as it normally would be.

Mike said: "We’re not encouraging browsing as we take the safety of our team and our customers very seriously.

"So that we can prioritise key workers, we are offering an appointment service that means only allow one customer is in store at a time, for essential products or services.

“Like every business, we’ve had to adapt how we work and offer our services online and over the phone.

“For example, we’ve had customers who need to commute to work but don’t have a bike.

"We’re able to offer them a consultation over the phone to discover the best bike for them.

"Once the customer has talked to us and maybe browsed our website, we can then invite them into our shop to try out our recommendation, limiting the time they are in the shop”.

Bicycle mechanic Joel added that cyclists who are happy to do their own repairs can still collect parts from the shop.

Soke form of identification from the customer to prove they are a key worker is required.

For more information call 853944 or visit https://www.mikevaughan.co.uk/A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you