A DEVELOPER has made a bid for a former petrol station which has lain empty for almost a decade.

The former filling station at Bogston has been vacant since tenants Esso gave up their lease on the site in 2006.

It is a prime location just off the busy A8 main road on the border between Greenock and Port Glasgow.

The land is owned by Inverclyde Council, who are staying tight-lipped about the identity of the prospective new owners. Bosses have confirmed, however, that the bid looks likely to be accepted, with talks at an advanced stage.

A spokesman said: “I can confirm an offer has been accepted in principle.” The Tele understands an out of town firm is behind the offer and more details are expected to come to light in the coming weeks.

The site had become an unsightly mess overgrown with trees and bushes until a major clear-up operation took place last year. Council bosses then put the site on the market and invited prospective buyers to submit offers.

The council billed the prime site as ‘suitable for a variety of commercial uses subject to planning approvals’.

Depute Provost and Port town councillor David Wilson says the interest in the site is another positive endorsement for the ongoing regeneration of Inverclyde.

Mr Wilson said: “I think you are starting to see the green shoots of recovery in Inverclyde, particularly in the retail sector.

“There’s the plans for the pub development at the harbour in Greenock, work on the pub at Port Glasgow retail park as well as Costa Coffee, and the Co-Op in Eldon Street.

“We’re seeing a real upstart in the retail sector and that’s what I would imagine somebody would want this land for, because it’s a prominent site between the two towns.”