Ashby town centre could see Covid marshals patrolling the streets.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) confirmed today (Thurs) that it is not ruling out using marshals to help ensure social distancing guidelines - tightened again this week - are followed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the public want to see 'stronger enforcement of the rules' and, in order to do this, marshals are to be introduced in towns and city centres in England and a register of environmental health officers - who councils could use for support - set up.

Cllr Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, told Coalville Nub News: "We are currently awaiting more clarity from Government on what is expected in regards to Covid marshals.

"We can then look at the potential use of these in our town centres if necessary."

The Government has said marshals can either be volunteers or paid officials - but no funding has been made available to pay for them.

A number of towns and cities across the country have already introduced Covid marshals - some present at night supporting the evening economy to open safely and others during the busiest times of the day to give help and guidance to workers and visitors.

Cllr Woodman highlighted the preventative steps that have already put in place in the district .

"Over the past few months, we have been putting a number of measures in our town centres to help prevent the spread of the virus, including hand sanitisation stations, clear signage and one way systems - and these measures are having a positive impact in North West Leicestershire.

"Our licensing team are also continuing to support local pubs and restaurants in making sure they are using the Government's track and trace programme and following the guidelines.

"We are also conducting spot checks across the district.

"Supporting our local businesses and ensuring all residents and visitors can enjoy our town centres safely is of great importance to us, and we urge everyone to remember 'Hands, Face, Space' to help everyone to stay safe."