A pledge has this week been made to improve sports and leisure facilities in Ashby.

What has been described as an 'important and exciting announcement' was announced by North West Leicestershire District Council leader Richard Blunt at Tuesday's full council meeting in Coalville.

He said he recognised that Ashby has a growing population - and that the sports and leisure provision must keep pace with that growth. 

Referring to the new state of the art facility for Whitwick and Coalville, he acknowledged there was a longstanding desire from the Ashby sporting community to improve provision for their own town. 

Ashby-based councillor Kenny Horn founded Ashby Sport and has campaigned for improved faciities in the town. Photo: Ashby Nub News

Cllr Blunt will work closely with Ashby councillor Kenny Horn to progress the initiative.

Reacting to the news, Cllr Horn commented: "This is exciting news for the Ashby community and something I have been campaigning for. 

"I have a strong working relationship with Cllr Blunt and I'm sure we can jointly move things forward. 

"As part of the Open Space and Community Facilities Strategy, NWLDC is keen to utilise land already owned by the council to improve recreational facilities in the town."

According to figures supplied by Sport England, sports participation in North West Leicestershire remains extremely high, with 77 per cent of young people and 36 per cent of adults engaged in some kind of sports activity. 

Since being launched in 2021, the Ashby Sport website www.ashbysport.com has received nearly 37,000 visits.

Many local clubs are without floodlit winter training or playing provision. 

Improvements in surface technology will mean all sports are able to benefit from these new facilities. 

North West Leicestershire District Council leader Cllr Richard Blunt. Photo: Supplied

Each of the most populated clubs, Ashby Ivanhoe FC, Hastings Cricket and Ashby Rugby Club are already exploring ways in which to improve their own facilities, which can only serve to complement a brand new multisport centre which has been spoken about previously by former town councillor Dan Harrison.

Councillor Horn added: "Sports funding partners have also acknowledged the need for investment in Ashby. 

"I look forward to working with these partners, Cllr Blunt and NWLDC Officers to move this exciting project forward."