North West Leicestershire District Council has thanked the public for supporting pubs and venues in the Ashby area - but warned that safety measures will be in place 'for some time'.

Last weekend saw pubs and restaurants re-open in the region for the first time since March.

And while there were some teething problems with social distancing at some of them, the council says the plans put in place to get the night time economy up and running again was largely successful.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at the District Council, said: "We'd like to thank everyone that supported their local pubs and restaurants over the weekend in a responsible way, helping business get back on their feet while also following those essential Covid-19 requirements around distancing and hygiene.

"Our support to these venues continues this week and will do for as long as is necessary.

"Inevitably there were teething problems in some locations and we're taking a pragmatic approach of extending our support to these business owners in their efforts to improve the measures they have in place.

"This was the first step in the re-opening of our night-time economy and this new way of enjoying our pubs and restaurants is here to stay for some time.

"Please continue to respect the virus, each other and our business owners so everyone can enjoy safe nights out in the coming weeks and months."