A HONITON businessman, who won planning permission for a controversial self-storage firm in the town, says the new enterprise is now up-and-running and that he aims to be a good neighbour.

A HONITON businessman, who won planning permission for a controversial self-storage firm in the town, says the new enterprise is now up-and-running and that he aims to be a good neighbour.

Paul McCollum, of PDM Self Storage, is trading from Honiton Business Park, off Ottery Moor Lane, after satisfying planners that concerns raised by some local residents could be addressed.

"I've got six containers on the site, having identified a need in the marketplace," he told the Herald.

"It is the only storage facility close to the town centre.

"Hopefully, I have satisfied all the concerns and will be a good neighbour."

Mr McCollum had hoped to operate the business seven days a week, but planners have restricted trading to Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm and from 8am to 1.30pm on Saturdays.

He is running the storage business alongside vehicle hire firm U-Drive, which supplies cars, vans, lorries and buses.

"The storage service is available to private individuals as well as commercial concerns," said Mr McCollum.

"We cater for everyone who needs extra storage space, from one-man-bands to shops.

"And we are here, on site, to assist with unloading, if business owners are not available.