Ashby's Business Improvement District says it will be funding free parking across four Saturdays up to Christmas to encourage visitors and footfall in the town.

The BID also says arrangements for the two-day Christmas Fair in Market Street are going to plan.

Last month's meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's full council heard BID's Christmas arrangements to promote local businesses during the festive season.

The Royal Hotel car park was opened up to visitors last year, but that cannot happen this time due to the renovation work being carried out on the site.

But councillors were told that plans were in place to encourage shoppers into Ashby with free parking, and you can find the full details HERE.

The meeting also heard that 53 stalls have already booked in for the Saturday of the Christmas Fair, being held in the first weekend of December, and 42 on Sunday.

Various entertainment has been arranged including nurseries, primary schools, Ivanhoe Orchestra, professional singers for Saturday, and schools, local bands and professional singers on Sunday.

On Sunday there will be a story telling fairy godmother and gift card prizes for the Santa Fun Run which will be presented on stage.

A number of future initiatives were also discussed at the meeting, including a Town Trail, which has been partially funded through the UK prosperity fund; A focus on town security including street patrols (not just town centre), and alarm monitoring; a hopper bus feasibility; Additional street cleansing; Tourist information; and a Soap Box Derby.

A report was also presented to councillors on the BID's progress since it was created nearly 18 months ago.

The meeting was told that the aim of the BID is to work together with local businesses, schools and residents of Ashby to promote and enhance the economic and vibrancy of the town.

Councillors heard the main BID focus areas are:

• Marketing & promotions - Carry out projects and events to drive loyalty, footfall and spend;

• Welcoming & Safe - Make sure we are a welcoming, friendly and safe place;

• Getting around - Make it easier for people to come into and move around the town;

• Business support - Give businesses the support they need to flourish by driving down business costs whilst being a powerful voice.

Achievements so far: • Launch of Ashby Gift Card – over £7k on gifts cards purchased so far;

• Retail radio to aid security and reduce Town Centre crime – now have 48 users;

• Christmas decorations – enhance decorations provided by TC, additional 50 pre lit Christmas trees, three cross street decorations, 20ft real tree on North Street;

• Funded free parking in district council owned car parks for the Christmas Fayre; • Liaising with Oakland Hotels, opened the Royal Hotel car park for additional free parking throughout December 2022;

• Ashby in Bloom – five planters and 18 barrier baskets spread across town;

• DISC app – To help reduce crime within the town, keeping our residents and visitors safe. Police are also connected to the system. Shopkeepers and businesses can report crimes and ASB which is shared across the secure network. The system has been rolled out to all nighttime economy business. Next stage is to roll out the system to daytime town centre businesses;

• Town Centre events, to encourage footfall, so far include Easter Art competition and egg trail, enhanced Pride event, Ashby Fabulous. Christmas & Christmas Fair.