Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's Conservative Group has issued a list of its achievements over the past decade.

The group has reminded residents of the developments in the town during that period as we head into 2023.

In a statement sent to Ashby Nub News, a spokesperson for the Conservative Group said: "Under the leadership of the Conservative Group, the Town Council's precept has increased by an average of 4p per week (on a Band D property) over the last 10 years, with four of those years containing no increase at all.

"That is equivalent to an average annual increase of 2.65 per cent. However, despite the relatively modest level of the precept in Ashby, it's worth reflecting on what the Town council under The Conservative Group have achieved over the last decade.

"The Town Council has purchased Prior Park Road Field and (in due course) the Bath Grounds.

"We have made a considerable investment in the town cemetery, in the village of Blackfordby (including a new war memorial) and in the closed churchyards of St. Helen's and Holy Trinity. We have also purchased and developed Range Road Depot as a base for its grounds maintenance operations.

"The Town Council has taken over responsibility for the town's Christmas lights, Christmas trees in Ashby and Blackfordby and for the organisation of the Christmas Fair and Market, all elements that made the festive season more enjoyable for the whole community.

Ashby's Platinum Jubilee street party took place in June. Photo: Ashby Nub News

"We have provided a large number of first-class events including a street party for HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 90th birthday and Platinum Jubilee, and the visit of the Sealed Knot.

"The Town Council has assumed responsibility for the organisation of Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday and more latterly, Commonwealth Day.

"A Deputy Town Clerk and Town Centre Manager were also appointed, to continue to uphold high standards of order at the centre of our society.

"The Town Council has also developed and successfully delivered a Neighbourhood Plan for Ashby and for the village of Blackfordby.

"We have achieved Green Flag status for the Bath Grounds, Purple Flag for the night-time economy and the Local Council Award Scheme Gold Award. In fact, we are the only town council in the county to achieve this honour.

"New play equipment has been installed at Westfields Recreation Ground (including a MUGA), Willesley Recreation Ground and at the Hood Park play hub (including an adult outdoor gym).

The Bath Grounds has Green Flag staus

"A replacement skate park was installed costing more than £100k. Land has been adopted at the former soap factory and biscuit factory sites, off Leicester Road, Astley Way and Trinity Close.

"It is anticipated that the Town Council will be invited to assume responsibility for the maintenance of Blackfordby churchyard and new footpaths have been installed at Western Park and Blackfordby Recreation Ground."

The group says that, on the financial side, the Town Council has coped with the loss of income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The statement adds: "We have improved its general reserve position from £28k in 2007 to £136k in 2022 and been able to invest £150k with the CCLA's Public Sector Deposit Fund.

"All of this has been achieved without any significant increase in the precept.

"It is often difficult for members (and members of the public) not to focus on percentage increases but the critical thing is the real-terms monetary impact of any precept increases."