Roly Capper Motorcycles, based in Leek, Staffordshire, closed its doors permanently on 11 March after nearly 60 years in business. Owners David and Yvonne Swain had hoped to sell the business as a going concern on retirement, but instead the building has been bought by a London-based property developer.
The company hit the headlines in 2009 when more than 800 bikers supported the pair’s fight against Staffordshire County Council, which had threatened the future of the business. It came after they had started using council land next to the shop as a parking space and storage area.
A recent social media post read: “We would like to thank all our local customers who have supported us over the years. As of Saturday 11 March, the business will be closing its doors for the last time. It has been a very emotional time for us, and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who called in to see us. We are going to miss you all.”