Members of Ashby Branch Labour Party are out and about this week delivering a new Autumn Newsletter highlighting local issues in Ashby's Willesley ward.

The new Ashby Labour Rose leads on the condition of the Royal Hotel which has been deteriorating since it was closed in 2018.

Labour are concerned that urgent work is undertaken to prevent further decay to the fabric of the building.

Ashby Willesley Councillor Dave Bigby said: "Since I was elected as a District and Town Councillor last May, I have repeatedly called for urgent action to address the worsening condition of the Royal Hotel.

"A report last November from the district council's conservation officer found the building to be leaking, in 'poor condition' and 'at risk'.

"I am also concerned that we have not seen the promised revised plans for the developments either side of the Royal which it's claimed will trigger restoration of the Royal and sale of the Bath Grounds to the Town Council."

The Labour Rose also features the opportunities presented by the current review of the Local Plan.

Labour will be pushing hard to steer new economic development towards the creation of more high tech and creative industry jobs and away from the unbridled spread of warehousing along the A42 corridor.

They are particularly concerned that the countryside around Junction 12 is protected.

They are also very concerned that the imminent run down of the furlough and business support schemes threatens enormous local job losses.

Labour is pushing nationally and locally for continuation of these schemes, targeted to support jobs in the worst hit sectors.