Following a full meeting of Ashby Town Council on Monday 21st July, Parliamentary Spokesman for North West Leicestershire, Craig Smith, has shared his opinions on the closure of Footpath 089 and subsequent mishandling of the matter by the County Council.

The statement is as follows:

"I attended Ashby Town Council's full council meeting this week and left both encouraged by the Council's determination and infuriated by the disgraceful handling of footpath 089's closure by those who should know better.

"Let's be clear: the sudden and unnecessary closure of this public right of way has caused anger and confusion throughout the town. It's a well-used, safe route, particularly for schoolchildren and families, and there is no evidence to support the County Council's flimsy excuse about "increased risk." Meanwhile, Nottingham Road, the supposed alternative, has seen actual accidents. You couldn't make it up.

"The Town Council passed a firm and sensible motion demanding the path's reopening, with clear deadlines for action by both the County Council and the landowner. If they fail, legal action is on the table, and rightly so.

Councillor Dan Harrison has been criticised for his handling of the footpath closure (Photo: Nub News)

"But what struck me most was the sheer lack of accountability from County Councillor Dan Harrison. Before the election, he regularly attended meetings and claimed to represent the people. Since then? Nothing. He hasn't turned up, hasn't replied to emails from the council or members of the public, and hasn't lifted a finger to support the town's residents. Worse still, his past comments at Town Council clearly advocated for the landowner's interests, not the public's.

"Some might say as County Council Leader he's too busy, but that doesn't stack up. Ashby Town Council meets quarterly in the evening, and Cllr Harrison has just failed in his bids to chair both the Police and Crime Panel and the Combined Fire Authority, roles that require far more time and commitment than replying to an email or turning up to a quarterly meeting.

"This isn't just political point-scoring. It's about standing up for local people. A public footpath, paid for, long-standing, and safely used, has been shut without proper cause. Ashby deserves answers, and above all, action. The time for excuses is over. Reopen footpath 089 now."

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READ MORE: 'Smoke and Mirrors': Ashby Town Council push for a solution to closure of footpath 089

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