So I had a crack at this today.. was all going well, had the strut out of the hub and clear of all the wheel arch. Put the allen key into the top of the shock and was turning the nut around whilst holding the middle still with the allen key then it just span, when i looked close up it had crack down the thread so the allen key just span in the hole as there was no longer any pressure on it.

So, ive got 2 new shocks reserved for tomorrow morning and going to pick up 2 new strut tops too. eurocarparts have got 25% off shocks atm so can get both for £70. Got the springs for £18 + vat from GSF car parts in West Thurrock.