North West Leicestershire District Councillors will be told this week that night-time crime in Ashby town centre is at its highest level in 14 years.

Wednesday's meeting of the District Council's Licensing Committee will discuss the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) which was introduced in Ashby in 2005.

And the recommendation will be that it stays in place with the current crime figures as they are.

Not only do the figures suggest the crime rate is at its highest since 2007, it adds that the projection is for it to become the worst since the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) came into force.

Crime data relating to the night-time economy (20:00 to 08:00) in Ashby shows 87 offences have been recorded this year - up until September 30.

This compares to 101 crimes in the year from 2006-2007.

The figures so far this year show that 42 of those offences involved assault.

Last summer, police applied a dispersal order in the town centre after disturbances during the European football championships, you can read that article HERE.

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A report to be presented to the committee reads: "The vast majority of crimes in Ashby De La Zouch town centre continue to take place during the night-time economy.

"The Covid-19 pandemic impacted upon the crime data for years 2020 and 2021.

"Lower crimes were reported in 2020 as the late night economy was subject to Government closures and tier restrictions.

"When the businesses were permitted to reopen and, as legal restrictions were removed, the number of reported crimes began to increase.

"The total number of reported crimes in 2021 is at its highest level since 2006/2007 and, are projected to be the highest since the commencement of the cumulative impact assessment in 2005.

"It is considered that the statistical data together with a written statement from Leicestershire Police supports the retention of the cumulative impact assessment in Ashby De La Zouch town centre."

The report concludes that:

• The number and density of premises licensed to sell alcohol by retail remains an issue that continues to require control;

• The level of crime and disorder continues to be the primary concern;

• The geographical area requiring control remains unchanged;

• All premises types licensed to sell alcohol by retail to remain within the scope of the CIA;

• CIA to continue to apply between 8pm and 6am."

In July, we reported that the CIZ was likely to stay in place, you can read that article HERE.

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A consultation by the district council asking Ashby residents if they want to give the police more powers ends tomorrow (Wednesday).

The Licensing Committe report also explains why the CIA was applied in the first place 16 years ago.

It adds: "The Cumulative Impact Assessment relating to Ashby de la Zouch town centre was introduced in November, 2005 following a rise in alcohol related crime in and around Market Street.

"Statistical information provided by Leicestershire Police showed a dramatic rise in assaults prior to then."