A MOTOR firm has opened a huge, new one-stop accident centre in Southampton capable of repairing 100 cars a week.

The £1m Snows Accident Repair Centre (SARC) has been six months in construction and is now one of the largest and most advanced body shops in England.

The centre at Millbrook has 60 repair bays and a state-of-the-art paint and body shop and is approved by 18 manufactures.

It is staffed by a team of 23.

Dan Bush, manager of SARC, said: “The new centre is twice the size of our previous repair centre with double the capacity.

“But size and expertise aren’t our only strengths. We have built SARC completely around repair quality and the customer experience.

“Damaging your car, whether it’s through an accident or otherwise, is distressing enough without the added pressures of dealing with insurance companies and arranging a replacement vehicle."

The centre offers a free service which includes managing insurance claims from start to finish and arranging the recovery, collection and delivery of damaged vehicles and courtesy cars for the repair duration.

Independent motor group Snows enjoyed its biggest year of growth in 2018, achieving its 50th franchise with Cupra Portsmouth and also acquiring the former Perrys and Portfield sites in Portsmouth and Chichester.

Headquartered in Southampton, Snows is in its 57th year of trading and employs more than 950 staff.