Small record shop with a big reputation is hidden away in Lancaster village

Stephen Neill opened La’l Record Shop on Main Street 18 months ago, converting a long-held dream into reality.

He said: “Ever since I was a teenager I’d wanted to open a record shop, but life and mortgages got in the way and I became a painter and decorator.

“But when I was nearing my 60th birthday this shop became available, and so I thought it was time to take the plunge.”

Stephen had bought and sold records on the internet for the past 20 years, but just as a hobby.

He knew the village well as his sister runs the next-door post office but it was still a gamble.

The tiny shop, which is barely wide enough to swing a Stray Cats album, has seen a growing number of customers looking for rare records as well those snapping up the classics.

It also buys and sells CDs, mini-discs and cassettes as well as vintage audio equipment and some rare sales posters.

Stephen said: “It’s fair to say I earned more as a painter and decorator, but I am happier here chatting to customers about music and doing something I love.

“I think there is something about hitting 60 that means it’s the right age to give your dream a go. I didn’t think too much about the shop or make any real plans and it has been a rollercoaster, but fun.”

Local group The Lovely Eggs have popped in to the shop and Steven also stocks a few local bands’ albums.

Although he has no empire-building ambitions, Steven would like to branch out and host music events in the future.

“If I did end up in a bigger space I could put on bands,” he said. “But the village here has been very supportive and I know that my customers, who have often travelled a long way, have visited the next-door fish and chip shop or have had a pint in The Royal.

“So, I think having this quirky, tiny record store is a good thing for Bolton-le-Sands.

“And as the interest in vinyl, old and new, grows hopefully we can too.”