Ashby's Cumulative Impact Zone is likely to stay in place beyond February of next year - after North West Leicestershire councillors were told that crime figures pre-covid were higher than previous years.

Last week's meeting of the District Council's Licensing Committee acknowledged the improvements made in the area and the Purple Flag status - relating to the night-time economy - had been obtained.

But councillors felt that the Cumulative Impact Zone should remain in place beyond February 2022.

A Cumulative Impact Zone is a designated area where evidence has indicated that the number, type or density of licensed premises is impacting adversely on crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

But council officers said they would undertake further research and report back to the Committee when it considered the outcome of the consultation at its next meeting.

In response to a question, the Licensing Team Leader confirmed that there had not been an increase in police presence since 2013.

However the police do hold weekly meetings to assess the needs for the area and significant planning meetings were held for larger events.

The improvements in the area were in response to a joint effort from the police, more stringent conditions across all licensed premises and the improved plans of the licensed premises, such as the use of door staff.

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The total crime figures in Ashby from 2013-2020 were shown to the committee, they read:

• 2013: 55

• 2014: 61

• 2015: 43

• 2016: 61

• 2017: 58

• 2018: 66

• 2019: 65

• 2020: 24

Assaults in the town accounted for most of the incidents.

A discussion was had on the recent England football matches and the impact this had on the area due to the number of people gathering and consuming alcohol.

The Licensing Team Leader confirmed that there had been some football related disturbance following the recent England match (v Germany) which resulted in a road closure and some complaints due to the lack of access to takeaways during the closure.

It was reported that joint meetings had taken place since the event and additional steps had now been put in place in preparation for the next England football match.

Since then, police dispersal orders were put in place for Saturday's match against Ukraine and tonight's Euro 2020 semi-final with Denmark.

It was resolved that the commencement of statutory consultation following the process as detailed within the report be endorsed and the crime data relating to Ashby should be noted.