London bike shop threatened with council 'fine' is allowed to keep track pump outside

Isambard's Cycles on Brick Lane in London will be allowed to keep its free-to-use track pump outside its premises after Tower Hamlets Council agreed not to charge them for 'obstructing the pavement'.

Tower Hamlets Council appear to have relented in its decision to charge the bike shop for a licence to place items on the pavement outside. The council also reports that it has now offered to install a bike pump bollard outside, similar to those seen elsewhere in the capital.

>>> London bike shop ‘fined by council for providing free pump’ outside premises

In a statement issued by the council on Tuesday, it said: "We visited Isambard’s Cycles this morning to make clear that there is no issue with having a pump outside the shop. We both agreed to move it away from a lamppost so there was space for the public to get past when people are using it.

"We have also offered to install a bollard that can double as a bicycle pump.

"While, by law, we have to ensure pavements are clear and safe for pedestrians, it is also very important to support our local businesses."

Tower Hamlets Council came under criticism after the story was published widely this week by the British press.

Isambard's Cycles issued a statement on its website on Tuesday thanking the public for its support in the issue.

"This morning, as a result of public pressure, the council acquiesced to our requests, and agreed to the pump being outside our shop with no licence. However, this is of course the tip of the iceberg, and the broader point has only been illuminated, not addressed.

"We’d like to thank everyone for their support and for every tweet, letter and email sent in support of common sense. Without that sort of pressure we’re absolutely certain we would have had to remove the pump, or pay to have it there."