At about 10.30am, queues stretched back to Delph Lane and the police were on hand to check identification.
Coun Jan Virmani, spokesman for the centre, said that police, fire and ambulance crews were being served along with disabled people, doctors and nurses.
Yesterday lunchtime motorists queued for up to three hours to get to the station, believed to be the only one in East Lancashire selling unleaded fuel. Customers, who formed an orderly queue along the length of Shadsworth Road, were limited to £10 of fuel.
Jan's Esso station in Accrington Road also has stocks of diesel for pre-paid account holders and emergency service staff.
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