Ashby is to get a new Covid-19 marshal who will support and advise businesses, reassure shoppers and help to encourage a shop local atmosphere in the area.

North West Leicestershire District Council has appointed compliance officers primarily to provide support and offer guidance to businesses across the district.

They will also provide a friendly face in town and village centres, speaking to shoppers about their experience, offering help and guidance to individuals and businesses, while identifying any issues that may need to be addressed or challenged.

Looking after Ashby, Castle Donington and the northern parishes is Helen Crouch who previously worked as a Community Response Volunteer to make sure food parcels and prescriptions were delivered to the vulnerable.

Although her primary role is to support and advise, the new marshal will also have an eye out for businesses and individuals that persistently put others in danger, so that further action can be taken as a last resort.

Helen said: "I'm so excited to have joined the team at North West Leicestershire District Council.

"Working with the public is something that comes very naturally to me and I'm looking forward to meeting new people whilst I'm out and about.

"My role is to provide support, so if you see me whilst you're out in the district don't be afraid to stop me to say hello or raise any issues you have."

Jack Curran, coming from an animal welfare background, will be leading in Coalville and the southern parishes in the district and will use his experience to identify any areas of non-compliance.

"I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in and working with businesses in Coalville and the surrounding area to make sure we're all doing our part to keep everyone safe," said Jack.

"I'll be the eyes and ears of the local area and want to encourage people to feel as though they can approach me if they see something that they don't think is quite right.

"If any businesses need any support and want to make sure they're compliant with Covid-19 regulations, please look out for me and I'll be happy to advise."

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services art North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "Having compliance officers out in the district daily helps us to identify issues, resolve them quickly and create a safer environment for both shoppers and workers.

"It's really important we all pull together to shop local and support our businesses after the events of this year, but to do that people need to feel safe – and our new marshals will support that."