The first Ashby Big Clean Up took place on Saturday 27th September, with 62 local people turning up to support the effort to Make Ashby More Fabulous. 

Organised by Ashby Civic Society with Ashby Town Council, Ashby BID and Love Ashby, the Big Clean Up was spearheaded by Kathy Michell and Julia Fraser to get Ashby Town Centre looking its best ahead of Ashby's Fabulous next weekend. 

Volunteers included local Girl Guides and members of the Ashby de la Zouch Castle Rotary Club. 

The Big Clean Up had a great turn out, with over 60 people coming together to lend a hand (Photo: Ashby Town Council)

The Big Clean Up was kicked off by Councillor Murrae Blair-Park, who gave an inspiring speech before handing out tools and equipment for volunteers. 

During the hour and a half clean, volunteers picked up more than 40 bags of rubbish, as well as sweeping, scrubbing and weeding. 

Volunteers cleared more than 40 bags of rubbish during the Big Clean (Photo: Ashby Town Council)

The event was wrapped up with volunteers enjoying refreshments supplied by Zamani's Restaurant. 

Co-organiser Kathy reflected on the event, saying: 'It was wonderful to see so many people come together for the Big Clean. A special thank you goes to the Girl Guides and Ashby de la Zouch Castle Rotary Club and all of the wonderful volunteers for their continued support of the town. 

Volunteers came together to give Market Street some much needed TLC ahead of Ashby's Fabulous (Photo: Ashby Town Council)

'The difference a few hours of teamwork have made is incredible and the town centre now looks more vibrant than ever.'