Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has expressed concern at the complacent approach of the County Council towards resolving the ongoing issues concerning the footpath from Money Hill to North Street.

At its Planning & Transportation committee on Monday evening, Chris Smith, Leader of the Town Council, said 'I am surprised that you state the risk of vehicle-pedestrian conflict has been addressed and that there is now a workable path through the haulage yard. 

'Apart from a new fence erected in the same position as the old fence and the replacement of the short section of fencing with plastic bollards, there has been very little change in the haulage yard. 

'During the day, cars are still obstructing the line of the footpath along the fence, forcing pedestrians to use the lorry route through the yard.'

The Committee could see no reason why an alternative location cannot be found for parking the cars and the plastic bollards extended to the North Street gate, thus enforcing separation between vehicles and pedestrians. 

They felt that with a degree of cooperation on both sides an amicable solution could be found without the use of enforcement powers.

The Committee went on to discuss the aspiration to move the footpath from the haulage yard with an improved sealed surface, fencing and lighting. 

The town council fully supported this objective but the County Council indicated that due to the time required to identify funding, establish landowner agreements and diverting the path, the timescales would be years rather than months.

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The town council said that many of these issues have been known about for some considerable time. 

Chris Smith said: 'We are very keen for work to start as soon as possible but we are also keen to ensure an interim workable path is available through the haulage yard prior to the longer term aspiration being realised.'

He went on to say: 'Part of the frustration that the town council has felt is being excluded from discussions about the wider aspiration. 

'I can assure you that the town council is committed to working constructively with all parties to help realise the end goal. We look forward to better understanding the plans for the wider aspiration and how we can help with progressing them.'

In response to this, a spokesperson from Leicestershire County Council said: 'We understand concerns raised, remain committed to keeping pedestrians safe and continue to monitor the situation with the land owner.

'We are aware of the long-term aspiration to move and segregate the footpath from the working yard. This is being explored, but is complex and subject to land agreements, statutory legal processes and securing of funding from third parties, all of which will take time.

'We value Ashby Town Council's input and will keep them updated as plans develop.'

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READ MORE: Councillors and MP celebrate reopening of Ashby Footpath following long closure

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