A “Biking Becontree” cycle hub has been set up to help people get on their bikes this summer with the peace of mind that quick repairs for any punctures are at hand.

It’s all part of the Fiddlers Low Emission neighbourhood project at Becontree Heath where households, schools and businesses helped design more “cycle friendly” streets.

The scheme started in 2019 was installed by Barking and Dagenham Council during the lockdowns.

“We strive to get residents back on their bikes,” Cllr Jane Jones said.

“The hub is an assurance that the scheme is in good working order.”

The council put £12,000 into the kitty to roll the hub forward, as part of a neighbourhood “low emissions” project, to assure riders that they can go the distance with facilities in the area to keep bikes in good nick.

Weekly ‘Dr Bike’ sessions are run at the hub by Vandome Cycles dealership in Upminster.

Vandome director Russell Coe promised: “The hub is an opportunity to get good repairs with other cycling services.”

The hub is part of a programme by the council’s Be First regeneration company to improve air quality by persuading people to swap their cars for bikes.