THE area was once notorious as the violent headquarters of murdered drug gangster Billy Webb but underneath the arches is now a successful business.

Vinnie and Lesley Thorne have worked hard to turn the area into a thriving car service and repair centre and work is underway to open an MoT centre.

But the couple remember the early days when criminals regularly turned up trying to “fence’ stolen goods or when people stopped by and asked if they had any drugs for sale.

The Thornes are keen to emphasise that the violent world of Billy Webb is long gone and in its place is The Arches Service Centre, in Turner Street.

They set up the business in 2003 and now they employ eight people and have spent around £100,000 in revitalising the once decrepit area.

Mr Thorne said: “Now we don’t think about Billy Webb at all. This area was a run-down mess but when I saw the arches I knew they had potential for expansion.”

His wife Lesley added: “He’s a very determined man and I supported him when we started up and we got help from his mum and dad as well.” The couple started the business in 2000 and then moved to the arches in 2003 from Bury Old Road, Bolton.

Mr Thorne has worked in a main car dealership and a tyre company as a technician.

The company is RAC approved for repairs and is a member of the Unipart Car Care scheme which shows they fit guaranteed genuine manufacturers’ parts.

He always wanted to set up his own business and Lesley attends to the accounts and adminstration side of the business.

The company carries out vehicle repairs and has a tyre bay, fast-fit exhaust and brakes and fits clutches the same day.

The company works on all types and makes of vehicles and light vans and a state-of-the art MoT centre is expected to be open early next month.

Mr Thorne says one of the secrets of the success of the repair centre is attention to customer care and service.

He said: “We might not be the cheapest sometimes because we use all accredited manufacturer spare parts and the right oil for car services and repairs though I would say we are the cheapest same--day clutch repairers in Bolton.”