In a statement published by Ashby Town Council, the authority condemned the emergency closure of footpath O89 which connects the new Money Hill development to Ashby Town Centre. 

Leicestershire County Council Highways agreed to the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, stating that pedestrian usage through the active haulage depot could pose a 'high risk' of vehicle-pedestrian conflict. 

However, Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has criticised this decision, stating: "this is an important route connecting the new Money Hill development and the soon to be opened car park, with the Town Centre. We believe there are other interim measures for improving the safety of the route that T Wainwright Ltd, as landowner, could have taken without seeking full closure. 

"It is now time for urgent action. We call on the County Council to rapidly convene a meeting of all parties where a way forward can be agreed to allow the footpath to be opened in a safe manner as soon as possible. The Town Council will continue to support this process." 

Despite the fact the authority has no direct responsibility for the rights of way or planning matters, the Town Council has been working to try and coordinate with the various parties that are responsible, including the County and District Council, the Money Hill developers and the landowner, T Wainwright (haulage) Ltd. 

As part of the planning application, the Money Hill developers agreed to provide a safe route but unfortunately those involved have not been able to agree a way forward that meets the needs of the public using the footpath and the landowner. 

Leicestershire County Council have responded to the Town Council, saying: ""Footpath 089 in Ashby de la Zouch has been closed temporarily to address concerns about the footpath raised by the nearby haulage yard and Ivanhoe school, who are worried about the safety of their pupils.

"A new route has been proposed which will provide improved links to the Money Hill development. It will follow a similar course separate from the haulage yard and have an all-weather surface."

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