A LONG-standing Oxford cycle business has been bought by a young couple who aim to maintain it as a “gem” of an independent shop.

Cycle enthusiast John Wilson ran Walton Street Cycles for 25 years, but he died last month aged 52 after developing a brain tumour.

The shop was taken over by five local residents, who have now sold a majority share to Kevin Moreland, 29, and his partner Honour Tomkinson, 30.

The couple already run Bainton Bikes, nearby in Bainton Road, which they set up last autumn.

Mr Moreland said: “We have no intention of changing the tradition.

“I used to go to Walton Street Cycles as a child, asking questions, and I was a customer for years.

“It really encapsulates what an independent bike shop should be. It was a big shock when they approached me, but it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

The five former owners – Russel Matthews, Martin Wilkinson, Andrew Wilkinson, Paul Brankin and Ben Piper – bought the shop when it was in danger of closing because Mr Wilson could not find a buyer as his health deteriorated. Having put the business on an even keel, they started looking for an owner-manager.

Mr Matthews said: “We saw an article about Bainton Bikes and went to see Kevin and Honour. All five of us are keeping a financial stake in the business.

“We love what it stands for. It’s quirky, it’s different, it’s like an Aladdin s cave.

“We take time to talk to customers and find out what they want. It’s very much a community enterprise. We don’t compete with the Halfords and Cycle Kings of this world.

“It’s one of those small old shops like Gill’s and Sylvesters, Smith and Lowe, those little gems of Oxford you lose if you don’t take care of them.”

Mr Moreland, who was helping to run Bainton Bikes in his spare time, has now given up his IT job.

He and Ms Tomkinson had built it into a major hire and repair centre by using the Internet as a marketing tool.

They are both mad about bikes, and started by doing repairs for friends, then lending out bikes they had restored for fun.

He said: “We will run the two businesses as separate brands. It will allow us to expand Bainton Bikes a lot quicker.”