Wheels Motor Cycles and Cars Ltd were based at the bottom of Herbertson Street, Blantyre, but in late 1979 as our picture shows, the building was heading towards demolition and the company were forced to look for new premises.
They found a new site in Allanshaw Industrial Estate, in Hamilton planning on leasing some ground with which they could build a new store, but things did not run smoothly.
Hamilton District Council , the owners of the new site claimed Wheels had breached an agreement by not starting to build the new store by January 1980, after being given 6 months to start work. The Council asked Wheels to withdraw their application, so Allanshaw Industrial Estate could be leased to others and notified them that serious action would be taken if they did not comply.
What happened to Wheels after 1980? Anybody know? There’s a bike shop in Allanshaw Ind Est but not sure if there’s a connection?
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook about this article:
Carol Crombie Yep, remember it well, my dad was a regular there plus we would visit John Reid and his alsatian Ricky.
Valerie Krawczyk was that the toothless Ricky.
Carol Crombie blind in one eye too.
Ted Crawford I think I still have lots of milk tokens in my Mums from the old co hall.
Wullie Clarkin Before ‘ wheels’ that shop was the co-op gents shop , a good one to.
John Queen I remember it well. I turned 16 just before it moved and I was very much into motorcycles pretty sure Geordie Brown ran it not sure what happened after the move though as Lloyds Motorcycles opened their new showroom around that time and I would go there.
Isabel Mcneily Sure was Wullie and s great dance hall upstairs.
William Morley Was that not at Herbeston street?
Wullie Clarkin correct Wullie
Kerry Brown your old garage Dad.
Joe Ferguson Is this the old COOP hall & building ? Wasnt there a church ther on the vacant lot?
Wullie Clarkin yes
Joe Ferguson I remember the lastime I went to the dancing in the Coop hall ,we planked our Lanlique in the garden of the church .I was with workmates from Hamilton who knew the band .I remember meeting my first wee girl friend from Hallside in the hall ,Margaret Cunningham was her name .We hadn’t seen each other for 10 years after she moved to Kirkhill ,so her & her husband helped us swally oor Lanny.