* The historical Market Street fair was due to take place between September 18-22

• It will have a small presence in the town to mark its 801st year

• Organisers say the problem will always be crowds trying to socially distance

• It was felt it would not be a safe environment for local families

• Plans are already in place to welcome the Statutes back in 2021

Pat Collins Funfairs and North West Leicestershire District Council have confirmed that this year's Ashby Statues is off.

The annual fair, which was planned for 18-22 September, will not go ahead this year over concerns for public safety as a result on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pat Collins Funfairs, North West Leicestershire District Council and Ashby de la Zouch Town Council have mutually agreed that it is in the best interests of everyone in Ashby and the wider district for the event not to go ahead.

The popular, family event was due in town for the 801st year, but with social distancing measures in force and large crowds expected, public health has been put first.

Those involved are working together to ensure the Statutes will have a small, but important, symbolic presence in the town in late September to allow the continuity of the event into its 802nd year in 2021.

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Anthony Harris of Pat Collins Funfairs, said: "This was a really difficult decision to make and we've looked over so many options, but the bottom line was that there would always be crowds of people unable to socially distance.

"We're grateful for the continued support of people in Ashby and North West Leicestershire, and we were always clear in our mind that the right decision would be to put the health of these very people first.

"We cannot wait to return and look forward to seeing everyone in 2021."

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at the district council said, said: "We've been working closely with Pat Collins Funfair and Ashby de la Zouch Town Council for a number of weeks, but it became clear that public health had to come first and this event could not go ahead.

"It is a great credit to the event organisers that they have shown such a desire to put public health first, acknowledging that maintaining social distancing would be impossible. We are already looking forward to welcoming Ashby Statutes back next year."

Councillor John Coxon, Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, said: "Ashby Statutes is a wonderful event and always attracts a great number of visitors to our town centre.

"It's with great sadness that this year's Statutes won't go ahead, but it is clear to us that it simply wouldn't be a safe environment for local families. I'd like to thank Pat Collins Funfair and North West Leicestershire Distrcit for coming to this mutual decision, which is undoubtedly the correct one, and we now look forward to the 802nd edition in 2021."