BURY has its very own self-made “soap stars” who have responded to public demand by opening their own launderette.

Washday blues are set to become a thing of the past thanks to enterprising brothers Shazad and Bari Aslam.

They already run the post office at the Fishpool convenience store in Parkhills Road.

But after their own survey found residents wanted a local launderette, they launched Fishpool Laundry Service just two doors away.

Bari said: “We’ve been running the post office together for four years. Nearby there was an empty building vacant and up for rent. We decided to undertake our own survey and asked customers and residents what sort of place they wanted to open in the area.

“Everyone said they missed the previous launderette which had closed down two years ago. A lot of people around here who used the launderette live in rented accommodation. And I used to be see elderly people and others struggling with their washing and getting on buses to visit launderettes elsewhere.

“We then decided that enough was enough. We said we’d have a crack at it, take a risk and open our own launderette in Parkhills Road. It’s called Fishpool Laundry Service.

He added: “It took us four or five months to open the business. Basically, such a service was needed in this area. It belongs to the whole community.”