A number of priority routes in and around Ashby will be discussed by North West Leicestershire District Council on Thursday.

The council's Community Scrutiny Committee is due to look at the district's local cycling and walking infrastructure plan and strategy.

Included in this are a number of routes in the Ashby area as part of an overview across the district.

Listed as a priority is improving links from the Bath Grounds, crossing South Street and accessing the town centre.

Also in a report to be presented to councillors is improving pedestrian links crossing Brook Street where it meets Market Street. 

The National Forest Trail – Ivanhoe Way and the fact that it it is currently not well maintained is a another issue, with the aim of improving the surface quality. 

Also, integrating the Cloud Trail with 089 footpath at Money Hill is also on the agenda.

The report adds that the vision for the Cycling and Walking Strategy for North West Leicestershire is: 'Development of a safe, attractive, integrated cycling and walking network plus a range of behavioural change initiatives to become a District where walking and cycling are safe, accessible and obvious choices for short journeys".

It also says the objectives of the strategy are to create a highway infrastructure to support and encourage cycling and walking for all by:

• Developing an accessible, safe cycling and walking network, with relevance to and links with employment, leisure, education and everyday destinations

• Ensuring that current and future networks are of a high standard

• Striking an appropriate balance between the needs of all road users

• Making all new schemes and infrastructure optimally inclusive and accessible to all

• Integrating existing and future networks with public transport hubs

• Working with key destination venues/agencies to secure their support for cycling and walking.

• Work with key partners to create a greener infrastructure

• Ringfence funding to support cycling and walking infrastructure.