Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has taken another step towards ensuring the future of the Bath Grounds.

Last week, the Mayor of Ashby, Graham Allman, posted online that he had just signed off the application for the finance required for its £630,000 purchase.

The town council decided last year to buy the site from owners Oakland Hotels Ltd to make sure the parkland remains a green area.

It is a deal which will see the town council take it over Oakland Hotels gets planning permission from North West Leicestershire District Council to develop land around the Royal Hotel.

Cllr Allman said: "I signed it as Chairman of Town Council. I signed the contract itself a few months ago.

"The next step is to exchange contracts for legal completion with draw down of the funds.

"This will safeguard the Bath Grounds for the future.

"It is a great move for the residents of Ashby, and it's been an honour and privilege to play my part in its execution."