ESSO has confirmed that it plans to operate on the former Dean's Garage site on London Road in Marlborough from next month.

Signs hanging at the petrol station on London Road, which is owned by Zubair Dean and closed in 2014, claim renovation work is being done.

It is now believed that an Esso garage run by energy firm Greenergy will be running the pump station.

In 2014, planning permission was granted for 10 homes at the garage and in the neighbouring Grade II listed building by Bridge Homes & Developments. However Alex Dean, part of Bridge Homes & Developments, said that he is no longer part of any development projects and believes the plan to transform the area had been scrapped.

He said: “As far as I currently know my work and plans for the 10 houses has been shelved and the fuel station will continue for another 10-15 years.”

Snowfall in December caused wires on the derelict building to fall down, creating a safety risk at the old auction room which had to be repaired.

Mayor Mervyn Hall said: “We have the petrol station at Budgens now so it is not critical and this one long term will not be there.“The issue that is the biggest concern for residents is the eyesore that it has become because it has been left for such a long time. People want to see it sorted as soon as possible.”

London Road resident Sharon Hastings has criticised the recent renovation work, which caused late night disruption, and has objected to the decision to cut down trees which, while not protected by a preservation order, were described as a crucial barrier between residents and the site.

Mrs Hastings wants a fence put up if the garage is to re-open. She said: “Everybody is going to do all they can to make sure the fence goes up for some privacy. “It has been left to go to wreck and ruin. It is a disgrace that the buildings have been allowed to get to this state.”

Marlborough has one other petrol station, on Hertford Road.