Hobans Self Drive opens new branch in Carlisle

Hobans Self Drive, a family-run vehicle hire company, has expanded its operations to Carlisle, bringing a range of rental options to residents, visiting tourists and businesses in the area.

The new branch is on Church Street, next to the city's longstanding McVities factory, adding to the company's existing presence in Egremont and Lillyhall. 

The site offers a wide selection of vehicles, including vans, minibusses, cars, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Mike Allan, general manager of Hoban’s Self Drive, said: "We’re delighted to be in the border city and expand our operation.

Hobans is located on Carlisle's Church Street. Pictured Julie Minns and Mike Allan. (Image: Supplied)

"We have an existing operation out in West Cumbria, and we thought it was fitting to move into a traditional site that was previously a vehicle rental site."

The new branch has been welcomed by Carlisle MP, Julie Minns, who attended the grand opening on October 12 and cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Hoban’s Self Drive will operate from 8am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. 

The opening follows after plans were approved for the firm to move into the former Car Wash Cafe site in September. 

The business focuses solely on the existing kiosk and the far lane of the site, leaving the rest of the site to Intelijet, who continue to operate the automated car wash lane of the property.

The proposal for the new vehicle rental service received strong local support, with five letters backing the plans during the consultation process.

A local construction company director, speaking about the shortage of van hire availability, said: "The lack of van hire is killing small businesses and putting tradesmen out of work. To have a place like this on our doorstep will make a massive difference." 

To find out more, you can visit Hobans Self Drive via www.hobans.co.uk/companies/self-drive/