In a statement published this afternoon (28 October), Amanda Hack MP confirmed that she had received confirmation from Leicestershire County Council that Footpath O89, which runs from the top of North Street to the new Money Hill car park, will be reopened. 

The MP has shared that the footpath will reopen on Tuesday 9 December, although she is awaiting confirmation from the County Council to determine whether the re-opening will be with the upgraded path or in its current state. 

Speaking on this news, Hack said: 'A big thank you to the Town Council working group, made up of the Ashby Footpath Group, local councillors and my office, who have been pushing to avoid any unnecessary extension of this closure.' 

The handling of the footpath closure, which was shut under a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order in June, has been criticised by Ashby Town Council and residents. 

There was criticism over the County Council's handling of the closure, with accusations of proper process not being followed with the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order and a lack of communication with Ashby Town Council. 

Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Dan Harrison, attended an Ashby Town Council meeting on 8 September, resulting in a shouting match erupting between councillors.