MOBILE mechanic Lee Bromley became a “Mr Fixit” in the business world when he drove past a shut-down Bolton garage.

After tracking down the owners, the 38-year-old has reopened the business creating three new jobs.

Despite the fact that the banks refused to provide him with any financial help, Lee decided to take over the Bankfield Garage at a unit at Bankfield Mill in Quebec Street under a leasing arrangement.

But he is determined to ultimately own the business outright. The garage offers vehicle servicing and mechanical repairs and is also an MoT centre.

Lee explained: “Bankfield Garage had been operating for about 25 years before the previous owner died. It had been closed for about 18 months.

“I was driving past when I saw that it was shut and made my own inquiries about taking it over. That got the ball rolling.”

After speaking to the previous proprietor’s family, Lee became the tenant of the garage and has taken on three staff, including a manager who will be responsible for the day to day running of the business.

He added: “I’m hoping to buy it in the next two years when I get a mortgage. And the workforce should increase to five by the end of this year.”

Lee worked for 12 years as a civil servant in the Department of Transport and 18 months ago launched his own commercial vehicle repair business.

“I go on and off site and, basically, I’m a mobile mechanic. Both businesses will run alongside each other.”

The businessman has defended his decision to reopen the garage in the middle of a recession.

“I see it as a good investment, although the banks wouldn’t help me one bit.

“I worked through virtually every option, but unfortunately, it’s a rather bad time at the moment.

“A lot of people are holding on to their cars longer, so they’ll need repairs doing.”

Bankfield Garage also offers a valeting service.