The leader of North West Leicestershire District Council has backed the idea of a cycleway from Ashby to Hicks Lodge.

Cllr Richard Blunt was speaking at the council's Cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening.

The committee members discussed funding for the North West Leicestershire Cycling and Walking Infrastructure plan and strategy.

Cllr Blunt said: "I would love one day to be able to do the journey from Ashby to Hicks Lodge.

"It's terrible that people have to drive out from Ashby, and put their bikes on the roof, then cycle around Hicks Lodge and drive back again.

"It's the future for leisure massively, and for people going to work as well.

"People move to Melbourne because they know the cycleway takes them into Derby and the Rolls-Royce factory.

"Often, people will choose a house for that reason.

"There's only one thing better than cycling, and that's being on a cycleway where you feel safer."

Cllr Blunt also said the decision to abandon the plans for HS2 through North West Leicestershire, could free up funds for a cycleway from Ashby to Coalville.