New Preston cycle repair shop opens in former cannabis farm
A new specialist cycling shop and repair workshop has opened on Blackpool Road in Preston after owner Mick Mahoney transformed a former bank building previously used as a cannabis farm.
A unique destination cycle shop and repair workshop has opened inside a former bank in Ashton-on-Ribble — complete with an old strong room and a remarkable backstory involving a former cannabis farm.
Lane End Cycles has opened on Blackpool Road, in a former NatWest bank which later became insurance offices, and then a furniture shop before standing empty for several years.
For owner Mick Mahoney, the launch is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition and a return to the trade after previously running North End Cycles near Deepdale.
But before the lifelong cyclist could turn the building into a new home for bikes, repairs and specialist accessories, he first had to clear the aftermath of a suspected Vietnamese drug gang which had used the premises as a cannabis farm.
Mick, 57, said: "When I first looked around, it looked like a bomb had gone off inside, but I knew it could make a good bike shop.
"One wall in the basement was packed with soil almost to the ceiling. We ended up removing bag after bag of it, and there's still some left that we're gradually clearing.
"Most of it went to the Serpentine allotments. A lot of the gardeners said it was the best compost they'd had. There were so many nutrients in it."
The clean-up revealed evidence of a sophisticated growing operation throughout the building.
Mick, who grew up in Preston, said: "We found mattresses inside the bank vault where people had clearly been sleeping. Every other room had been used for growing. There were also Vietnamese drinks cans scattered around.
A lot of the gardeners said it was the best compost they'd ever had. There were so many nutrients in it.
"There were hooks everywhere where the lights had been hanging and ventilation holes cut through walls and ceilings. You could tell a lot of work had gone into it."
The building's banking past has even proved useful. Mick now uses the former strong room to store customers' bikes securely.
After health issues forced him to close North End Cycles, Mick spent years searching for the right premises to start again.
He said: "I always knew I'd come back to it. I've been cycling and fixing bikes since I was a kid."
The shop specialises in cycle repairs and servicing, with work ranging from children's and family bikes to professional-standard road bikes and mountain bikes.
Mick said he wants Lane End Cycles to offer trustworthy repairs, proper advice and reliable after-sales support, as well as bikes, parts, accessories, locks, pumps, lights, helmets, oils, lubricants and maintenance products.
The shop also stocks specialist lines including Muc-Off cleaning and maintenance products — and is believed to be Preston's only Muc-Off refill station — along with CatEye lights from Japan.
When I first looked around, it looked like a bomb had gone off inside, but I knew it could make a good bike shop
Mick hopes to expand the range further with a dedicated BMX and skateboard section.
He said: "We're trying to create a traditional bike shop. The workshop is the heart of it. People can bring their bikes in for repairs, servicing or adjustments, and we also stock bikes, accessories and everything people need to keep them on the road."
Mick believes the Lane Ends location is ideal.
He said: "The location is brilliant. Lane Ends has a really good atmosphere. There are lots of different bars and businesses around here now and it always feels busy.
"It's a nice area with a real community feel. We've had a really good welcome from local people."