Work has started to transform a once popular bike shop which first opened in the 1960s into a bathroom store.

Tri the Bike Shop in Gravesend closed in 2022 after its owners Ted and Sue Tickner made the decision to step down after 25 years.

Speaking at the time, Ted said: “We are too old for it now and we do not need the hassle of running a business. It is a hard decision and has been very difficult.

"Business is difficult in all aspects at the moment. The bills are getting bigger and we have had to cut our losses somewhere.

"We have had a few people interested in taking it over, so I hope someone will come in and keep it going.”

The store had announced its last day would be October 31, 2022, but Ted hoped it could be saved and was in talks with potential new owners.

However, the doors closed and the shopfront in Windmill Street was emptied.

The news “gutted” the community who said the shop was like a “second home”.

Manager Leo Brown, who worked at Tri The Bike Shop for 15 years, added: “I will miss it.

“Everyone has been coming in with lots of stories and memories."

More than a year later, work has been seen happening inside the vacant unit to transform it into a new business.

The building has now been painted grey and new signs have gone up reading RC Bathrooms.

Not much more is known about the new owners or when the latest addition to Gravesend’s town centre will be opening.