Plans to link the Cloud Trail cycleway with Ashby could happen with fresh Government backing.

Councillor Ray Morris gave a verbal presentation on SUSTRANS and The National Cycling Network to a meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council earlier this month. 

He explained that he was the Ward Member for Worthington and Breedon and that he had been working on the Cycle and Walking Strategy for North West Leicestershire District Council. 

That was with a view to eventually extending the Trail to Ashby.

Cllr Morris added that there was no connectivity from the Cloud Trail with Ashby, the nearest cycle access being Route Six.

He said: "There is no connectivity with Ashby at the moment.

"Route Six comes close to Ashby.

"In North West Leicestershire, the district council's cycling and walking strategy which has taken Ashby on board and the areas around Ashby.

"It has identified those cycleways and footpaths which could be operated."

He added the Government has set aside money to be spent on cycleways and footpaths and this should result in further connectivity between villages and towns as well as new employment areas. 

With regards to the Cloud Trail, the first stage of the extension is to get to Lount, using the existing path of the railway line. 

Image: Pixabay

The site has been surveyed by SUSTRANS and they are hoping to obtain a £50,000 grant. 

A survey has been carried out amongst local residents and the response rate has been strong so far - with progress hoping to be made over the next 12 months.

Cllr Morris added: "It is reasonable to assume that Ashby, as a town, could benefit significantly.

"The current objective is to extend from the Cloud Trail at Worthington to Ashby in a couple of stages.

"The first stage is to get to Lount.

"The old railway is walkable, it also depends on landowner co-operation.

"So far it's been fairly favourable.

"The next phase would then be Lount to Ashby, that's the tricky one, the issue here is HS2 and choosing the best route.

"We'll hear more about HS2 later this year, but there are two alternatives.

"One crosses the A42 and there's a missing section after that.

"The other more straightforward route is though Lountwood where there is a bridleway which links to the Ivanhoe Way and crosses the A511 near McVities.

"There is another route that comes out near Money Hill.

"This is at a very early stage of planning but we would like to consult with Ashby to see what you want and how we can help.

"It's a tough outline of what the thinking is."

Cllr Harrison said: "It's important we keep a dialogue with Ray and his team."

Cllr Mike Ball added: "What we're missing is no connection to the Cloud Trail, it's not straightforward to get there from here.

"We'll support you in any way we can."