The Friends of the Ashby Bath Grounds group say most of its members are against plans to open up Gilwiskaw Brook in that area.

Following an email based survey of members, reviewing comments on Facebook and taking opinions at the Friends' AGM on Tuesday, the committee of the Friends Group has found that a clear majority of members are against this proposal.

A minority was in favour while others are suggesting further work needs to be done in order to understand the benefits versus the risks of the idea.

The group says the reason many are against, include concerns over rubbish, the potential for debris to cause a blockage and therefore flooding, the loss of land, the impact on current users both individuals and clubs and the impact on events held on the Bath Grounds.

The scheme has been proposed by Trent Rivers Trust (TRT) who have prepared a feasibility report on a project to 'daylight' Gilwiskaw Brook in the Bath Grounds.

This was presented at Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's Parks and Cemetery Committee meeting last month.

The proposed scheme would open up the brook which currently runs through a culvert or underground tunnel, straight underneath the town, including the Bath Grounds, emerging south of Ashby before joining the River Mease.

A number of reasons came up against the scheme for the Bath Grounds

As such this would essentially mean an open stream running across the Bath Grounds.

At various points it would between 10 and 20 meters wide, with bridges added as crossing points.

The Committee and members of the Friends Group, in general, welcome investment in the Bath Grounds and some members do see the potential for positives from the idea - but there are some serious concerns from most members around ongoing maintenance, safety, impact on other users that have not as yet been resolved.

The Friends Group therefore have three initial suggestions.

1. Wider consultation with Ashby residents on the scheme should be undertaken, including surveys done by both Ashby Town Council and TRT

2. Before any decision is made a full feasibility and impact study, including flood risks, should be undertaken by TRT and presented back to the Town Council and made available for residents to study

3. The full cost of the proposed scheme should be made public

Additionally, the Friends will be inviting TRT to an open meeting so that residents can fully understand the proposals and make their views known to TR