A new car valeting company in Shirehampton is hoping to clean up the area's reputation.

Before Top 2 Bottom set up the company on the junction of Pembroke Road and Station Road the site had gained a reputation for anti-social behaviour.

Loud music and drug dealing were just some of the issues frustrating residents and nearby businesses but new owners Glyn Williams and Terry Rodgers said they have turned the site around.

The pair set up their business in June and have gone from strength to strength.

Mr Williams, 29, who lives in Lawrence Weston, said: "We were a mobile company but when we found this site was free we decided to create a permanent base. I think we are one of the main car-cleaning companies in the village.

"I know previously the neighbours were concerned because before we moved here there was a lot of loud music and cars wheel-spinning. In our first few weeks someone turned up to have a car wash smoking a joint, which is obviously totally unacceptable.

"There is a funeral directors' just next door and its not very respectful, this is a residential area as well. We've spoken to all the neighbours and put up signs for people to turn off their radios and drive slowly through the yard and so far residents seem pleased with the results. We want to make it clear we are hard-working with a good reputation."

A nearby resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "We used to have concerns about loud music coming from the site at all hours and drivers doing wheel spins on the forecourt. It was quite intimidating. It is great that another company has taken over the derelict site but we did worry that it would be more of the same. So far the lads seem to be getting on with it and we've not had any issues."

Despite the recession the company said the gamble of building a permanent base has paid off.

Mr Williams added: "The weather does make a difference but we have been doing really well, it has been a success so far."