As a journalist, Westall wrote for "Cheshire Life", the Northwich "Chronicle" and the "Warrington Guardian". A memorial service was held on 29 September 1993, at nearby All Saints' Church, Thelwall, Warrington. Tributes were paid by former teaching colleagues and Miriam Hodgson, editorial director (fiction) Reed Children's Books. A blue plaque was placed on Westall's birthplace, 7 Vicarage Street, North Shields, the following year. There is also a Westall Walk, which takes in locations used by the children's writer in his stories.