MONDAY'S full council meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council received positive news about progress with its Forward Plan. 

Chris Smith, Leader of the Town Council, was able to report continuing progress on all fronts, across all five of the Town Council's strategic aims.

On Strengthen Sustainability, the recent carbon audit showed further reductions in the Town Council's carbon emissions and investments are being made in solar panels to achieve further reductions.

On Boosting our Community, a Community Development Fund has been established with grants focussed on improving health and wellbeing and reducing social isolation. An expanded events programme is planned for 2025.

On Improve Connectivity, the Town Council is working closely with the County Council, National Forest and other partners, prioritising routes connecting Ashby to local areas.

The leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Chris Smith. Photo: Supplied

On Plan Positively, the new Neighbourhood Plan is due for completion early in the new year and increased focus is being given to the major development at Money Hill.

On Improve Our Green Spaces, the Town Council is seeking a Green Flag Award for Hood Park, work is underway to review all our play areas and wildlife areas have been established across the Town.

Cllr Smith said:"I am very pleased with the progress being made and I would like to thank all the staff of the Town Council for their dedicated work and the support of many volunteers who assist the Town Council in achieving its aims.

"All of this has been achieved while, at the same time, good progress has been made with restoring the robustness of the Town Council's finances. 

"The year 2022/23 saw a large deficit which meant reserves were dangerously low. The Forward Plan is to restore the Town Council's reserves over four years. The latest predictions for the current year suggest we are going to achieve this three years early. Good news for all."

The Forward Plan will be reviewed in early 2025. The Leader of the Town Council would welcome any suggestions on the priorities for the Town Council and what should be included in the new Forward Plan. The current version is available on the Council's website.