One of Lancashire's most respected developers is making good progress on a new housing estate near the town centre.

Cruden Construction of Warrington* is building on the former Abbotsford site - and was highly praised by one Ormskirk grandee who told QLocal's Roger Blaxall how impressed he's been with their work.

"I watched them respond to a large amount of mud offa wagon on Derby Street West," he said.

"A few men with large brushes were out sweeping the highway to clear it very promptly.

"They are doing a wonderful job and I wish it every success."

And that name?

A Council PR man told QLocal: "The Council has done a lot of research including examining old maps of the area to arrive at a name with local connection.

The name Walmsley Drive has been proposed to planning as Walmsley House, an imposing property with extensive grounds, orchard and stables, stood on the site for many years."

Reporter Roger Blaxall's asked Kate Hurst of the Ormskirk and District Family History Society to do a little more digging for a feature on the site which will be posted later this summer.

*I am PR officer for Friends of Real Lancashire and don't recognise the artificial new county boundaries foisted on Lancashire and Lancastrians back in 1974 - RB