Ashby Civic Society has announced a new ruling on a public footpath for the town - and one that directly affects future access to the Bath Grounds.

For many years, people have used the path behind the Royal Hotel as access from South Street to Tamworth Road and vice-versa.

But, until now, the route has never been recognised as a Public Right of Way.

That meant it would have allowed any owner of the Royal Hotel or the Bath Grounds to close access to both entrances in Ashby's most important park.

But now, with Ashby councillor Dr Barbara Kneale pushing for change, Leicestershire County Council last month declared that it is now a Public Right of Way.

The Civic Society says that, some years ago, it tried to make the Bath Grounds a 'Village Green' in order to prevent any building spoiling the park.

The attempt was going well until another legal case changed the goalposts and the Society was advised to withdraw the claim.

A year ago an Ashby Councillor and Civic Society Committee Member applied for a public footpath to be made an official route across the Bath Grounds.

The Society has congratulated Cllr Kneale for her efforts, saying the decision 'will be very helpful and long overdue'.

For details of how to join Ashby Civic Society, click HERE