Ashby will have no problem bouncing back from lockdown this year.

That is the view of town officials who are seeing a number of new businesses setting up in Ashby to replace the ones that left during the pandemic.

While there are still shop units unoccupied, they are gradually expected to be filled as the year goes on.

Last Monday's easing of lockdown measures allowed some 'non-essential' shops to open along with pub gardens.

That has resulted the streets being busier - with a sense that Ashby will live up to its reputation as a bustling market town over the next few months.

Town Centre manager Stuart Benson told Ashby Nub News: "It's been fantastic, we've had so many people out in the town.

"You see queues for the barbers, but we also speak to the clothes shops, the shoe shops, they're all busy.

"People want to go and see that item on the shelves and you can't beat that experience of seeing an item in a store.

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"It's been great to see so many happy, smiley faces when they walking down the street.

"But it won't happen overnight, shops might have to think outside the box to attract customers.

"They have to be really welcoming and open the doors to get people to come in.

"But Ashby's going to bounce back, it's a thriving town and it will get back to its old self again."