A BICYCLE store in Romsey has announced it is to close after "fierce" online competition.

Cycle World, based on Winchester Road, opened a bigger store in Southampton two years ago, but says due to growing business rates in the market town, it has been forced to shut.

Managing director Nigel Kernan said that it was common for those looking to buy a bicycle to visit the shop to see the product for themselves, and then buy it online.

It means the store is closing after 27 years in business.

He said: "Over the last couple of years we have seen a steady decline on the number of bikes we have been selling, to a point where it is not viable to trade out of premises with all the associated costs.

"Our overheads, including business rates, have been growing over recent years despite our reduction in sales and this has been one of the major factors in consolidating our operation."

The company said that those who used to use its Romsey store, should instead visit their store in Thornhill, Southampton.

The service also has an outlet in Portsmouth.

Nigel added: "We are also committed to keeping our Portsmouth shop which has the same focus and brands as our Romsey store.

"We would very much like to thank our customers in Romsey for their loyalty over the last 27 years and can assure them that we will strive to provide the great customer service they would expect from our Southampton and Portsmouth shops in the future."

Cycle World said it was with "great reluctance" that they would be closing the Romsey store from June 30.