An Ashby councillor has called for an integrated cycle network around Ashby in response to Leicestershire County Council's Walking and Cycling Strategy Survey.

The county council is developing a new strategy aiming to increase the number of journeys by bike or on foot as well as bringing benefits in creating healthier communities and reducing carbon emissions.

Just two weeks after the launch of the survey, asking people for their views on how cycling and walking provision could be improved in Leicestershire, the council said that more than 700 people have now responded.

But Councillor David Bigby has made it clear that Ashby is in real need of a cycle network.

He reported to a recent meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's planning and transport committee and suggested a response to the county council.

Cllr Bigby said: "We need a proper, integrated cycle network across the District, particularly around Ashby de la Zouch Town centre.

"There are few dedicated cycle routes around or through Ashby and no safe routes to access the recreational cycling facilities at the Cloud Trail, Hicks Lodge and Moira from Ashby.

"Cycle routes need to be safely separated from motor vehicles.

"Nottingham Road is particularly dangerous for cyclists, with a few images of cycles painted on the road which encourages cyclists but doesn't make it any safer, particularly where the road narrows for central pedestrian refuges.

"There has been zero progress on implementing any of the Ashby Cycle Strategy since its original development by the LCC in 2014 and its eventual adoption by North West Leicestershire District Council as an SPD in 2019, but it is now out of date due to new housing erected or planned and new potential routes being opened up.

"We also need a proper cycle/pedestrian path across the Castle field, now owned by the Town Council with a Right of Way.

"The path from Wells Road to Hicks Lodge across the fields, which is subject to a stalled Right of Way application, would make an ideal pedestrian and cycling route to Hicks Lodge from Ashby.

"There are several dangerous areas for pedestrians in Ashby Town centre, particularly the Brook Street/ Market Street junction, the bottom of Kilwardby Street, by the Shoulder of Mutton, and the exit from the Bath Grounds at South Street all of which are highlighted in the Ashby Neighbourhood Plan.

"We cannot continue to await developer funding for new pedestrian crossings, they need funding from government.

"The Brook St/Market St junction needs an imaginative solution that could even include it being closed off completely to vehicles.

"This would speed traffic through Ashby, which currently queues to turn right from Market Street, and improve pedestrian safety enormously.

"It would also allow more parking to be provided in Brook Street or partial pedestrianisation.

"Market Street needs a 20mph speed limit to improve pedestrian safety. Market Street pavements are also now very tired and need reviving.

"The County and District Councils need to work closely together on this and it needs to be made clear where responsibility lies and how improvements are to be funded.

"The walking and cycling needs of the district (NWLDC) need to be properly reflected in the District Council planning policies."