Leicestershire Police & Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews says he has heard concerns that Ashby could lose its Purple Flag status due to anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Mr Matthews came to Ashby at the end of May, having previously visited a few weeks earlier.

But in his latest blog, published today, he writes about the fears from local businesses and pub venues that problems need to be addressed in order to encourage visitors to the town.

Purple Flag is an international accreditation programme that aims to reward those who achieve this in their destinations after dark - and Ashby council officials have worked hard to get theirs.

But Mr Matthews wrote: "I met with Kate from the Ashby de la Zouch BID, together with town councillor Pejman Zamani, plus representatives of Pub Watch and local businesses.

"They told me that a key concern is that the town may lose its Purple Flag status.

"This is viewed as being key to the town's success as a night time economy centre.

"Its loss would also be a signal that the town is not safe to visit and so would impact on the day time economy and general reputation of the town.

"They did not need to convince me of the importance of this.

Rupert Matthews met with (l-r) Kenny Horn, County Councillor Dan Harrison and Kate and Pejman Zamani two months ago. Photo: Ashby Nub News

"A town cannot survive without its local businesses.

"It is these that provide employment, pay the taxes that keep the town a pleasant place to live and bring in the visitors and bustle that are so crucial to the atmosphere of a market town such as Ashby.

"Keeping businesses safe is a key priority, so I was interested to hear what Kate and her colleagues had to tell me."

Mr Matthews said there are measures in place to deal with night-time crime.

He added: "There is a dedicated Night Time Economy (NTE) Team which is on duty in Ashby and Coalville on Friday and Saturday evenings.

"I myself went out on patrol with them on night last winter, so I am fully aware of the sterling work that they do.

"Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary for these officers to leave their NTE from time to time to deal with a lift-threatening emergency, but they always return as soon as possible.

"Kate is working to set up a security system, known as DISK, similar to one already in use in Hinckley.

"As ever with such effective, but complex systems, there are teething problems.

"The more intractable of these relates not to the system itself but to the data sharing agreement that needs to be formalised to allow the various businesses and public bodies to share information in a legal and secure manner.

"She is confident that she will get there, eventually."

But Mr Matthews highlighted the main concern locally.

He added: "The most pressing problem right now concerns anti-social behaviour in Market Street.

"This is intermittent but can cause a real nuisance to shoppers and business owners alike.

"The BID, working with the police and council, are hoping to get on top of the situation shortly.

"Having raised this with the local police commander, I'm pleased to be able to confirm that the police are now working with retailers and other partners to deal with the person causing most of the concern."