North West Leicestershire District Council has released a tender inviting specialist providers to examine and report on the need for improved sports and recreation facilities in Ashby.

The project brief refers specifically to: "The feasibility of creating a 'Sports Village' on land identified in the Ashby de la Zouch area, to support existing clubs and potential new facilities as identified."

District Council Chairman, Kenny Horn, who has been campaigning for much-needed improved facilities in the town commented: "This is a significant step forward.

"I have been lobbying support for this project for many years and I'm delighted to see the launch of the tender as a first step towards improving the standard and access to sports facilities in the town"

The development comes after council leader, Cllr Richard Blunt, said in January that he recognised Ashby has a growing population - and that the sports and leisure provision must keep pace with that growth. 

Ashby Sport Fun Day has proved a success in the town since it became an annual event on the Bath Grounds - and Cllr Horn hopes this event can be the catalyst for improved facilities in the town.

At the moment, the council is not revealing which areas of the town could host such a facility.

The tender is subject to a mini competition with the winner announced no later than October 10 this year.

Compiling the report is due to start no later than October 28 and is scheduled to be published in the Spring of next year.

Ashby Sport Fun Day has become a fixture on the town's events calendar. Photo: Ashby Nub News

The work will centre on where current and future gaps in provision are likely to be and the options available to increase provision to meet future demand shortfalls.

Through the course of the report, the winning applicant will engage with other local stakeholders including, but not limited to, schools, local sports clubs and other community leisure operators.

Cllr Horn added: "Floodlit and winter training facilities are already over-subscribed.

"As the population of the town and surrounding area increases, the infrastructure, including sport and recreation facilities, will need to keep pace with this increased demand."