Did as you suggested and both front wheels turn fine so I can discount VCU. Finished just now got dark very quickly and ****ed down as well.To test the VCU, jack up one front wheel and with the gearbox in neutral, put a bar on the hub nut and try to turn the wheel. With constant pressure, it should move very slowly. If the wheel cannot be rotated at all, the VCU has seized.
So I am going to go with maybe bit faster than estimated and looking at the tyres even though they have plenty of tread they do look a bit old.
Thanks to everyone that replied. I learnt how to check my VCU.