If by elections are won by the person having the most visible public support, then Ian Davis looks a shoe in for this Thursday’s Derby ward vote...

QLocal's Roger Blaxall's counted numerous 'flags' on show in gardens all over Ormskirk as OWL make a concerted effort to win the seat vacated by Paul Greenall who is a now a County councillor.

Former Rufford councillor Jane Houlgrave is making a concerted effort to keep the seat blue, telling folk in her election leaflet that a vote for OWL is effectively a vote to let in the Labour candidate, 'Gentleman' George Oliver - QLocal's moniker, not Ms. Houlgrave’s, by the way...

And yesterday, this e mail was forwarded by an OWL supporter to Blaxall's inbox with OWL councillor Adrian Owens extolling Davis.

To: Derby Ward voters

This Thursday is the Derby ward by-election. You are choosing a person to represent you and the views of Derby ward residents in the council chamber and I wanted to let you know why I am supporting Ian Davis.

I’ve known Ian Davis, the Independent Our West Lancashire candidate for more than 10 years. One of his neighbours described him to me as a man of the utmost integrity and 100% reliable. That is my view too.

He was Managing Director of an Engineering PLC and, now in semi-retirement, still practises as an accountant. He is certainly not a “nodding donkey” and his business experience would be an asset in ensuring that the council officers work efficiently with the tax money we provide.

Ian is active in a local resident group and last summer, when Westhead Village Hall was put up for sale, took a leading role in saving it for the community. Last week, due to his skills, he has secured a grant of almost £20,000 towards repairs and improvements at the Hall.

Others are turning very negative in this election with comments very wide of the mark. My focus has always been on achieving the best for you, the people who elected me to serve you. I know that Ian has exactly that attitude too. I ask you please to cast your vote in favour of Ian Davis.