A POPULAR Kidderminster motorcycle shop has announced it will close after more than 70 years in business – leaving customers “gutted.”

Motorcycle Mart was first opened in Blackwell Street and later moved to Mill Street and finally Stourport Road.

Business owner Steve Moles, aged 66, is set to retire and says he intends to close the shop for good at the end of August.

In a post on the Motorcycle Mart Facebook page, he said: "Lots of people have gone through their biking years with the staff who are still here now.

"We know many, many on first name terms, and some we even feel as friends.

"The good days, along with the bad. The dry days along with the wet".

"So we get to where we are now, and the decision to close, but hopefully close in a controlled way, rather than being forced to, doing it under our own speed, and offering you all a bit of a deal.

"If we have it in stock we’ll give you 50 per cent off, if we haven’t we won’t".

He also thanked all the customers for their support over the years.

"We sincerely wish you well for the future, and thank you for all your business," he added.

Customers have shared their sadness at the news on social media.

"It’s like losing a family member," Matthew Dalton said.

Mark Stanley said: "Such a shame. Bought my first bike from them in Mill Street. FS1E. Sorry to see you go".

Stephen Crawford said: "Genuinely sad to see the mart go. This'll leave a massive gap in the Kidderminster area".

Sarah Masie Allin said: "Such an iconic shop to the biking fraternity in the Midlands, so sorry to read this".

Steve Wilson said: "Absolutely gutted. Thank you for the great service over the years. A sad loss for our area".

And Francis James added: "Blown me away with this sad news. You guys are family, so many years of happy memories".