The one and only cycle repair place on the peninsula looking to allow customers to use the government's £50 bike repair scheme, is waiting to see if they are eligible.

As part of its battle to bring down obesity levels, and to encourage more people to use cycles, the Government has today introduced a £50 discount scheme towards getting your old bike repaired.

Dean Baptiste, the cycle hire and repair centre manager at Alton Water has applied to join the scheme and is confident the centre will be of massive benefit to those looking to get their bicycles back on the road, or cycle path.

"It is something we are looking to do" Dean, a former Halfords bike technician, told Nub News, "it would be worthwhile for us and our customers.

"Anything that helps people to get out and cycle has to be good thing."

Alton Water is famed for its cycling and walking routes, and the centres bike hire is popular attraction for visitors.

Until the confirmation comes through, cyclists on the Shotley peninsula looking to take advantage of a government scheme to help get their bike fixed may have to go as far as Manningtree or Ipswich to use their vouchers.

However, it appears it may not be as simple as that for those in our villages, with no cycle repairers eligible yet to take part known on the peninsula.

Apart from Alton Water's facility, the Bike Doctor at East Bergholt is probably the best known and is highly recommended, but he is not participating in the scheme.

If you know of a cycle repair shop registered for the government scheme please get in touch [email protected] or feel free to add your business to our Local List directory for free. Simply click on the black Nub It button and upload your details.