Independent bicycle firm ceases trading after 34 years

A sports firm which specialises in electric bicycles has suddenly ceased trading after 34 years.

Customers found shutters closed at Primera Sports in Charminster Road, Bournemouth, on Friday, according to social media.

The business said it had instructed insolvency firm Leonard Curtis, which the BBC has approached for comment.

One customer told the BBC he paid a £6,000 balance on 14 August for two e-bikes which never arrived.

David, who asked for his surname not to be used, said he initially ordered the bikes for £10,479 on 28 July.

After waiting for more than two weeks, he went to the shop and spoke to the owners.

David said he was told the delay was due to high demand for the heavily-discounted Scott bikes.

"They took that balance from us.. and have just disappeared and gone. I'm very unhappy," he said.

Posting on Facebook, professional cyclist Ben Moore, who grew up in Poole, appealed for the release of bikes that were with the firm for servicing and repairs.

However, Primera Sports Ltd told the BBC: "All the service bikes are back with the customers. A couple of customers are on holiday and on return they will be delivered."

It said people who had bought bikes should reclaim the money from their credit card companies.

The firm, which opened a second store in Poole in 2007, had 14 employees, according to its latest accounts.