The owner of an independent bakery trading in a town for 10 years says he has been “forced” to close for the sake of his own health.

Jamie Tandoh set up the Bicycle Bakery in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, in 2014.

He says he has made the difficult decision to shut up shop following “excruciating pain” from arthritis.

There was confusion when he shared the announcement on April 1 (April Fool’s Day) but the artisan bread-maker has confirmed the closure is legitimate.

However, he hopes it will be only temporary as he has a vision to reopen in the summer.

The announcement from the Bicycle Bakery on Facebook resulted in many comments from customers calling the news “a great shame” with others on Instagram saying “the town won’t be the same without you”.

Jamie, from Tunbridge Wells, told KentOnline: “I was forced to close the bakery for my own health because I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hands a few years ago.

“I've been trying to manage the pain ever since but in the past few months it increased in its severity, so much so that every morning I was waking up and wasn't able to open my hands without excruciating pain.

“It is the reality of running your own business - there's no one else to fall back on.”

Despite the pain, the 39-year-old continued to work due to being the only baker but said it got the point he “couldn’t physically go on” so made the difficult decision to close the shop.

“It wasn't an easy decision to make as it's my livelihood and that of my team and I know how much the bakery means to the community,” he added.

Since closing, the owner has made a GoFundMe campaign called ‘The Bicycle Bakery: Keep the Dough Rolling,’ on the recommendation from friends - and at the time of writing it had raised £5,402 in four days.

The sourdough enthusiast hopes the money donated will cover the costs of the bakery during his hiatus and allow time to find a new head baker and additional staff.

Writing on the GoFundMe page, Jamie said: “By supporting our campaign you are not just helping us reopen a bakery, you are investing in the revitalisation of a beloved local institution and ensuring that the Bicycle Bakery can continue to be a gathering place where friendships are forged.”

Jamie now hopes the closure will only be temporary and would like to reopen the bakery in the summer but says to do that he needs to take some time out.

The shop is at the heart of Camden Road and since closing the owner says he has been stopped by many customers asking about the bakery and when it will reopen.

Jamie said: “So many people have reached out on social media to see if me and the team are ok and that we were in their thoughts.

“Lots of people are really sad that they aren't able to get their tasty bread and treats.

“I hope through this crowdfunding campaign, our community help the bakery back on its feet again in the not-too-distant future.”

Jamie established the business due to a “deep-seated love for baking and a desire to share my sourdough with the world”.

The shop, which offered freshly baked goods and coffee, was run by shop manager, Kate Phillips, who has been there for two-and-a-half years, while owner Jamie is responsible for managing the bakery side of the business.

The bakeshop remained open to the community throughout the pandemic.