BICYCLE retailer Evans Cycles is to close its Kendal branch.

The chain’s new owner Sports Direct, which bought the retailer out of administration in late October, announced this week that six of Evans Cycles’ 62 stores, including the shop on Stricklandgate, were under threat.

And The Westmorland Gazette understands that the Kendal store will indeed close, though no date has been confirmed by Sports Direct.

“We hope landlords will be reasonable and support our turnaround plan, now that we have stability due to backing from Sports Direct,” said Evans Cycles chief executive Steve Trowbridge.

“However, we must remain competitive, and sadly we are now in consultation with staff at these stores.”

Cllr Graham Vincent, economy and assets portfolio holder at South Lakeland District Council, said he was very disappointed to hear of the closure.

“This is really sad news for Kendal and it is particularly unfortunate for the employees at this time of year with Christmas approaching,” he said.

“Evans Cycles is known for having very good customer service and I hope those affected can find alternative employment in the town.

“It’s also unfortunate because at the council we remain committed to encouraging cycling both for pleasure and as a means of getting to work, and it has benefits both for health and for the environment.

“I hope that despite this news we can press on with developing the cycle network in the Kendal area.”

It emerged that Evans had hit financial difficulties in September after it held talks with lenders to seek an urgent capital injection.

The move came after a tough year when extended winter weather hurt trading and a lack of cashflow prevented investment, resulting in the retailer going into administration.