Ashby will not be getting its Tiny Forest - after losing out to Newcastle and St Helen's.

Councillor Barbara Kneale had been confident of bringing the project to Ashby - and siting it in Western Park.

She had already been asked what sort of legacy it would leave for the town after speaking to Jane Rampin who is the Land Manager for Earthwatch Europe.

But Monday's meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's Parks & Cemetery Committee heard that the scheme would not be happening.

Town Clerk, Jack Fargher, told councillors that he has now been given to understand that the funders selected Newcastle and St Helen's on a deprivation basis - so the proposal for Ashby has been unsuccessful.

He does not intend to progress this proposal any further at this stage.

But he reminded the committee that a site visit had taken place with Cllr Kneale and the Town Council's Head Groundsman at Western Park.

A suitable site for a 'Tiny Forest' had been identified on that park which would not interfere with the football pitches.

As the area often gets very wet it is little used and the trees may help take up some of the water.

A utility survey of the area had been commissioned.

There was nothing that appeared to cross the site which would cause a problem.

'Earthwatch' had asked a number of questions regarding stakeholders and community engagement which had been answered and submitted in time.