Ashby Town Council has issued an update as they seek clarification over Leicestershire County Council's 'significant and unexpected changes' to the proposed 20mph scheme in Ashby.

In January, speed surveys were carried out across Ashby, including key areas in the town centre including near Ashby School and Ashby CofE Primary School.

These surveys found a number of roads met the criteria for inclusion in a 20mph zone and, as a result, Ashby Town council received an initial draft of a new 20mph zone that reflected the results of the survey.

However, a different version of the plan has been released for public consultation where the zone is significantly reduced.

This included roads that were previously deemed suitable for the reduced speed limit removed from the plan, including Wood Street, Nottingham Road (up to Woodcock Way), Derby Road, The Callis, Smisby Road, Burton Road and Prior Park Way.

This has left 'anomalies' in the plan, such as leaving Prior Park Way at 30mph while all access roads are proposed to become 20mph.

According to Ashby Town Council, Leicestershire Council has confirmed that these roads 'were not removed due to new speed data or any change in technical suitability.

'Instead, Leicestershire County Council advised that the reduction in scope resulted from concerns raised by a number of unnamed stakeholders regarding the scale of the scheme.

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'In particular, representations were made seeking a substantial reduction in the extent of the proposed 20mph area to encompass just North Street, Market Street and South Street.'

Now, Leicestershire County Council has proposed a compromise solution limiting the 20mph area to North Street, The Green, Mill Bank, Market Street, South Street, Bath Street, Lower Church Street, Hill Street and Kilwardby Street.

Previously, Leicestershire Police gave their support to the wider 20mph scheme, leading to Ashby Town Council claiming that 'the only barrier to the scheme being fully implemented sits with the County Council.'

Ashby Town Council wishes to highlight that:

• 'The Town Council has consistently supported a 20mph limit for town centre roads.
• 'The January speed survey evidence supported a wider 20mph zone than the one now proposed.
• 'The changes made since March are not based on the survey data or road safety evidence.
• 'Ashby is suffering from speeding issues particularly in the Money Hill area and along Nottingham Road and Wood Street which need to be addressed.'

Residents are encouraged to review the consultation documents and submit their views to Leicestershire County Council.