A brand-new hopper bus service will launch around Ashby Town Centre from Friday 28 November.

The service is being introduced by Ashby BID, who have fully funded and organised a three-month trial of the service.

The service will operate every Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm with a short break between 1pm to 2pm and will be free to use during the trial.

The trial will run from Friday 28 November to Saturday 28 February, hoping to increase footfall and time spent by visitors in Ashby Town Centre, with the goal of attracting more visitors to the town centre, boosting local spending and supporting businesses.

Speaking about the hopper bus trail, a spokesperson for Ashby BID said: 'Our priority is to make the town more accessible to residents living on the outer fringes of Ashby, giving them a convenient and cost-free way to enjoy the town's shops, services and attractions, without worrying about taxis or parking.'

Ashby BID acknowledges that other neighbouring towns and villages have been eager to get a similar service to improve public transport links into Ashby. Ashby BID are exploring wider service connections in the future if demand continues to grow.

During the trial, two routes will operate on an hourly basis, both beginning and ending on Market Street by Costa).

Route 1

• Market Street (Costa)
• Willesley (Baker Avenue)
• Mendip Close
• Upper Packington Road / Leicester Road
• Tesco
• Market Street (Costa)

Route 2

• Market Street (Costa)
• Ivanhoe Business Park
• Malvern Crescent
• Castle Medical
• Westfields
• Beaumont Avenue
• Market Street (Costa)

The hopper bus on Route 1 will be at Market Street (Costa) at 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Route Two will be at Market Street (Costa) at 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm.