A number of Ashby businesses have said they will not be opening on Monday or Tuesday following red warning forecast of near 40 degrees temperatures.

Zamani's restaurant in Market Street says it will not be opening as it would be putting its staff first because they would otherwise be working in extreme conditions.

A social media post from the the Ashby eaterie said yesterday (Saturday): "Due to the weather forecast and unprecedented temperatures we have taken the difficult decision to close Zamani's on Monday and Tuesday.

"Our staff work so hard at all times and we think it is unfair to expect them to carry on in temperatures of over 60 degrees - in the kitchens.

"We really hope you understand and we look forward to greeting you again from Wednesday."

Zamani's says it does not want to make its staff work in the hot kitchen. Photo: Ashby Nub News

That was followed by Market Street clothes shops saying they too would be closed.

A post by the Pink, Bow and London & Harley stores also said it was not fair to staff.

They said: "Due to the extreme temperatures forecast for Monday and Tuesday next week, we have decided to close Pink, Bow and London & Harley for those two days.

"It wouldn't be fair or safe for our staff to be working in the shops all day with no air conditioning in those temperatures, today was hot enough!

"We will be open as normal from 9.30am Wednesday."

La Zouch Tanning posted today (Sunday): "In anticipation of the red weather warning, and with our client's safety as our priority, we have decided to close on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July as it would be unsafe to use our beds.

"Back to normal on Wednesday 20th July and don't forget our late night Thursdays until 8pm!"

Pet Deli in Ashby says: "Due to heat..... Deliveries will still be delivered (thank goodness for air con in van) but as we have no air con and the sun sets into our shop, we will close at 3pm Monday and Tuesday."

Ashby's Souk La Zouch is also not open on Monday or Tuesday saying: "Due to the forecasted heat for tomorrow and Tuesday, we have taken the decision to close for these next two days as it just gets unbearably hot in the shop."

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Wiffy Woofies says it will definitely be closed today (Monday), and adds: "Due to the extreme weather forecast, Wiffy Woofies is closed for tomorrow!

"Obviously any responsible owner will not and would not take their dogs out in these extreme temperatures ."

Meanwhile, St Helen's Church says it is offering an escape from the heat over the next few days.

It posted: "If you're out and about in Ashby over the next few days and need to find somewhere cool, the church is open during the day - and you're unlikely to find anywhere cooler without air-con!"

For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red Warning for exceptional heat.

Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England early next week, with temperatures likely in the high 30s C in some places and perhaps even reaching 40°C.