Work on improving street lighting in Ashby town centre is due to start during the next two months.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council confirmed at tonight's (Monday) meeting of its Finance & Events Committee that Leicestershire County Council will replace and repair the current lights.

Last November, the County Council said the matter of addressing the dimly-lit areas of Market Street would happen in the 2024-25 financial year.

Councillors heard that work will begin mid-to-late August or in early September - with an awareness it will need to be completed before the Autumn.

That will be to replace, upgrade and improve the street lights in Market Street.

It was welcomed as 'good news' by committee members who heard that Town Centre Manager, Stuart Benson, had been working closely with the County Council on this matter.

Last year, Cllr John Coxon, liaised with the County County council to draw attention to the issue.

The matter had been highlighted by Ashby Pubwatch, saying: "Security and safety in the town centre is paramount."

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A County Hall spokesperson said in November: "The works will be carried out to replace the wall mounted street lighting in Market Street, and are required to remedy various faults on these lighting units.

"Several options have been considered, but it has been agreed that the existing wall-mounted street lighting will be retained, rather than replacing with new lighting columns. 

"Because the lighting is mounted on buildings, agreements need to be put in place with the owners of these premises.

"The County Council will be working to identify those local property owners affected and to put the necessary agreements in place. 

"The replacement works will include the installation of energy efficient LED technology with remote monitoring capabilities and the replacement of all associated electricity cables and equipment. The works are due to be carried out within the 2024/25 financial year.

"Once all the necessary agreements are in place, further details will be provided to those affected with information regarding timings and phasing of the works."