A NEW car parts business has opened at North Baddesley. Lil’s Auto Parts at Fleming Avenue is run by John Bunyan and his partner Lita Neale.

The premises were previously occupied by John’s father also called John, and it was known as Honest Johns. John senior closed the shop about four years and it has remained empty since.

Lita said: “John and I came into some money, so we decided to do something useful with it and buy the shop.

It took us three months to sort out - a complete new design and layout.”

Lita explained that she had been battling with depression for 12 years and also other health problems and had not worked for the last year.

“Before that I ran a tyre company in Blackfield with a friend. We had to close due to not getting planning permission when the council decided to put up some flats next door. Regardless, it was a great business and was very successful, added Lita.

Before starting up Lil’s Auto Parts with Lita, John was a self employed builder-workman and prior to that was a car dealer selling and buying autos.

Before he got that job he was buying and selling a few cars and it was through that that he met his partner Lita.

“We are both into our cars and have a lot in common, for example going to car shows and meets and working on cars,” said Lita, who added: “We decided to open the shop as we both have a huge love for cars and helping other people succeed in getting what they want.”