COUNCILLORS are delighted that housing developers have agreed to listen to suggestions to name a town’s ‘largest building programme in fifty years’.

Russell Armer had planned to call the 78-dwelling site off Kirkby Lonsdale’s Kendal Road St Mary’s Park.

But the town council was angered by the fact the decision was made without consultation – and argued the name was more suitable for an actual park and not a housing development.

Now, Martyn Nicholson, director of Kendal-based Russell Armer has said he would be ‘more than happy’ to hear the town council’s suggestions.

And the town council is holding a competition until the end of this month for local residents to come up with ideas.

Allan Muirhead, Kirkby Lonsdale town councillor, said: “This is a largest building programme at Kirkby Lonsdale in 50 years. It should have an appropriate name.

“If you are interested and would like to see a proper name being given to it, we are inviting suggestions.”

The town already has two sites by the name of St Mary: St Mary’s Primary School on Kendal Road and St Mary’s Church on Church Street.

When choosing a name for any site, contractors makes a suggestion to South Lakeland District Council, which is then checked for suitability with such authorities as Royal Mail.

Mr Nicholson said: “We always choose names with respect to the local history. We were not aware that the local council did not like the name and are more than happy to hear suggestions.”

Cllr Muirhead said: “We are delighted that Russell Armer has offered to listen to our suggestions At the end of the day this is an example of how communication can get things done.”

Name ideas are welcome until March 24, with the town council offering a prize. Send your suggestions to town council clerk Kevin M Price at kevtherev7@hotmail.com or by mail to KLTC, C/o 24 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AE.