Ashby area residents have been given the chance to make their views known on Leicestershire County Council's Transport Plan for the next 25 years.

The council's strategy for transport up to 2040 is the first of three phases which will set out its vision and objectives for transport up to 2050. 

Known as LTP4, it aims to boost greener travel and improve connectivity across Leicestershire, putting transport front and centre in the council's mission to develop cleaner and healthier communities.

The plan's five core themes are: 

• Enabling health and wellbeing
• Protecting the environment
• Delivering economic growth
• Enhancing our transport network's resilience
• Embracing innovation 

The county's popularion is projected to rise from 713,000 to 830,000 by 2043 - with over 65s as the largest age group.

As a result, the council says transport networks must grow and change to support this and allow the county to thrive.  

Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport said: "LTP4 is our most community-focused transport plan to date.

"We're striving to understand and tackle the challenges our communities face, meeting their needs now and into the future, reflecting their goals and aspirations. It's vital that we hear your feedback through this new consultation.

"We recognise that many of us no longer travel to the office by car every morning rush hour, preferring to work from home and travelling instead at weekends for leisure.

"An ageing population relies heavily on public transport for health and independence. Our transport strategies must reflect your realities.

"Environmental challenges have never been more urgent. We know that poor air quality is a serious contributor to ill health and so we must initiate widespread behaviour change which takes as many vehicles off the road as possible.

"Making it easier to use public transport, as well as walking, cycling and wheeling is fundamental to this plan."

The council adds that up-to-date Local Transport Plan which reflects communities' unique needs helps with the development of a strategic case and narrative to secure funding now and in future.

Feedback from the consultation will be collated and used to inform the next stage of the transport plan.

The consultation is open until Monday, September 23 and can be accessed HERE.