Labour County Council candidate for Ashby, Debbie Jackson, has welcomed the Leicestershire County Council public engagement consultation on Walking and Cycling.

A keen walker and cyclist herself, Debbie said: 'This is a great opportunity to have our say on how the Council should be improving facilities and encouraging more of us to cut our car journeys and get around safely by bike and on foot. You can access the on-line questionnaire by following this link HERE."

She added: "We absolutely need a proper, integrated cycle network across the Ashby area. Particularly around the town centre, as there are few dedicated cycle ways and no safe routes to access the recreational cycling facilities at the Cloud Trail, Hicks Lodge and Moira from Ashby.

"Nottingham Road is notably dangerous for cyclists. Whilst there are a few images of cycles painted on the road which encourages cyclists, it doesn't make it any safer for them, especially where the road narrows for pedestrian central refuges.

""There has been zero progress on implementing any of the Ashby Cycle Strategy since it was adopted and it is now seriously out of date due to the new housing that's been erected and potential new routes being opened up.

"We also need a proper cycle/pedestrian path across the Castle field, now owned by the Town Council, with its recently granted Right of Way.

"The path from Wells Road to Hicks Lodge across the fields, which is subject to a stalled Right of Way application, would make an ideal pedestrian and cycling route to Hicks Lodge from Ashby thereby creating a safe cycling/walking route for families.

"There are several dangerous areas for pedestrians in Ashby Town centre, particularly the Brook Street/ Market Street junction, the bottom of Kilwardby Street, by the Shoulder of Mutton, and the exit from the Bath Grounds at South Street. We simply cannot continue to await developer funding for new pedestrian crossings, they need funding from government, and now.

"Pavements need to be updated and modernised in Market Street, at the same time features could be added to benefit those with physical, sight and hearing difficulties. Also, there are still many pot-holes, as well as manhole covers sunk into the road, which need immediate attention; they can be extremely dangerous for both cyclists and motorcyclists.

"It's now time for the County and District Councils to start working closely together on these issues, and there needs to be absolute clarity of where responsibility lies and how improvements are to be funded. And planning policies need to properly reflect the walking and cycling needs of our districts.

"I'd encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to submit their views to the County Council.'"

The Consultation closes on 10 March.