The former Shell garage on Preston Road is one of the first things motorists see as they drive into Chorley from junction eight of the M61.

It's been falling into a state of disrepair ever since the garage and adjacent Kwik Save store closed more than six years ago.

The buildings were subsequently demolished and the site's owners Shell were given planning permission for a new petrol station with shop.

However, no development has taken place and the site became a magnet for fly-tipping until it was properly fenced off by the owners.

Residents, backed by local councillors and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle, have been demanding action because the site is in a prominent area of Chorley.

Workmen have clearing the plot of land and this week campaigners received a letter from Shell explaining that the company intends to sell the site for future redevelopment.

Coun Ralph Snape has been involved in the six-year campaign to get something done about the site along with his wife, Coun Joyce Snape, and County Coun Ed Forshaw.

He said: "We are pleased that finally something is happening because it has been a bad outlook for anyone coming into Chorley. It is a bad advert for Chorley, and for all the people living round there, they have had to put up with this for years.

"We have been pressing Shell asking them what they are going to do about it for sometime and now, finally, something is happening.

"That doesn't mean to say that we will accept anything being built on that site just to get rid of the eyesore, it will have to be in keeping with the area."

County Coun Forshaw said: "At least they have started work now and started pumping all the residual waste away in tanks. At least after around seven years Shell are addressing the problem and tidying up the site suitable for resale."

Mr Hoyle said: "I am really pleased that finally Shell have taken their responsibility seriously. We welcome the decontamination of the land it is long overdue. It has been a long campaign on behalf of the people who live in the area and it is always good to work with Couns Snape to get the right result in the end."

In the letter to campaigners project manager Nigel Clarke said that it was not yet known who the site would be sold to, or what their redevelopment plans would entail, as any future development would require the approval of Chorley Council.

The letter also says that in preparation for the sale of the site, contractors were moving on site this week for site investigations.

RSK GeoConsult Limited have been contracted to carry out the work which will also include the removal of old foundations where necessary and other site remedial works.

The initial work was due to last a maximum of two weeks with a further phase of work expected in late August, early September.

In the letter Mr Clarke said: "Work will be under taken Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 5.30pm and every effort will be made to ensure that all work is carried out with the minimum of disturbance. Chorley Council has been made aware.

"I would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience our works may cause and to thank you, in advance, for your patience."

A spokesman for Shell was unavailable for comment.