IT is 50 years since the development of many areas of the Warrington New Town.

Back in 1972, the first housing development in Longbarn began.

It was built on the massive former RAF site in Padgate.

This week in Looking Back, we analyse the history of the time and the huge housing developments which changed Warrington forever.

By 1972 Warrington New Town Development Corporation had begun work on its first housing scheme in the New Town district of Padgate, an area of 3159 acres, which included the old Padgate area within Poulton with Fearnhead, Woolston, and parts of the parishes of Winwick and Croft.

The key development area was focussed on 256 acres of the former RAF sites at Padgate and Houghton Green.

These had been bought by Warrington Borough Council in 1963 and designated for residential development with associated amenities.

An action plan for Padgate was first developed in 1968 and in 1972 WNTDC initiated the first housing development in the area at Longbarn.

Besides the amenities immediately around Longbarn a new district centre was built at Station Road complete with shops, library, secondary school and playing fields.

The adjacent Insall Road was a reminder of the former camp commander, Group Captain Gilbert Insall, who officiated on ceremonies on the camp parade ground nearby.

Insall was a hero of the First World War who had been awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions in aerial warfare near Arras in November 1915.

Before he could receive his medal Insall was shot down in a further battle and became a POW until 1917.

However, Insall made a daring escape from the camp and found his way back to Britain, securing the Military Medal for his resolution.

He became the first commanding officer at Padgate Camp from 1939-1953 and took the final salute at the last passing out parade in 1957.