A NEW housing development is to be named after a former Pendle mayor, Fred Melling. Melling Court will be on the site of the old Lord Street School playing field on Cragg Street, Colne, where he taught for 33 years, retiring as deputy head in 1982.

The Liberal was a member of Pendle Council for more than a decade and served a term on Lancashire County Council and he and his wife Kathleen, also a councillor, were the first Pendle mayor and mayoress from Colne.

Liberal Councillor David Clegg said "Fred Melling was a legend in the history of Lord Street School. I am delighted that Eavesbrook Housing Association have agreed to our suggestion which we think will give pleasure to many hundreds of local people for whom Fred was such an important person in their lives."

Liberal leader Tony Greaves referred to Mr Melling as "a well-loved and respected figure for generations of local children, parents and colleagues".

Mr Melling has been ill for some time, but Mrs Melling, speaking on behalf of both of them this week, said "I'm very grateful and touched that people have decided to remember Fred and everything he has done for the local community."

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