IT IS a shop that has stood in the heart of Southampton’s cycling community for 43 years.

Portswood Cycles in St Denys Road has seen thousands of people pass through its doors to have their bikes fixed.

But now the shop that sits in a quiet corner of the bustling Portswood area next to Janes Barber Shop and opposite Trago Lounge could be demolished and turned into a three-story block of flats.

But while the building may be transformed, managing director Eric Lane said the store will move to another location in Portswood, should the plans get planning approval.

The plans have angered residents and a councillor who have lodged objections.

Highfield Residents Association former chairman Jerry Gillen said that the stores location is an important part of the community.

He said: “It is not part of the local plan for the area, which states that it must be retained as a shop, rather than flats.”

Meanwhile Liberal Democrat councillor for Portswood Adrian Vinson added: “I am opposed to the loss of a retail unit and a reduction of Portswood shopping centre’s diversity.”

The shop, which used to be called Renhams cycles in the 1970s, closed down for a short period in 2011 under former owner Sue Tomlin because of the recession, but it re-opened in January 2012 when Freego bikes took on the lease.