Two Ashby women are going above and beyond to 'Make Ashby More Fabulous' in an effort to attract more footfall and shoppers into the town centre while also making it a more enjoyable place for local people to visit.

From holding Big Cleans on Market Street to encouraging shops to take better care of their windows and frontages, Kathy Michell and Julia Fraser are on a mission to get more local people involved in ensuring the town is looking its best for residents, shoppers and visitors.

Both ladies have lived in Ashby over 10 years, participating in numerous community groups and became fed up with the town centre becoming increasingly unkept.

In September 2025, over 60 volunteers joined Julia and Kathy in the first Make Ashby More Fabulous Big Clean.

The second Big Clean took place in April, bringing together members of the community to brush, scrub, weed and wipe Market Street.

The third Big Clean is scheduled for Saturday 10 October, between 9am and 10.30am, where volunteers will meet at the WI Paddington Garden before they head out.

Kathy and Julia will be joined by Ashby's Mayor, Murrae Blair-Park, as well as members of the Rotary Club, WI and other local groups.

Upon arrival, volunteers can sign up for bacon rolls and refreshments which are being provided by Cllr Zamani at the end of the Big Clean.

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Aside from the Big Cleans, Kathy and Julia are also working hard behind the scenes to get Ashby looking its best.

They have been working closely with local businesses to get the fronts of shops and businesses looking clean and tidy, including national businesses like Greggs, Betfred, Nationwide and Costa.

The response from local businesses has also been fantastic with Yum Yums, Arthur's Barbers, Hammond Greengrocers and Thai restaurant all making huge improvements to their frontages.

De La Zouch wine cellar and restaurant has also totally refurbished the outside of their building and the Sorting Office, Post Office and Swensi Barbers are also making positive changes.

To recognise these efforts, Kathy and Julia have been presenting participating businesses with Thank You certificates and have been providing businesses with No Fly Posting notices to discourage unsightly posters.

They have also worked with North West Leicestershire District Council to ensure that bins are being properly returned after emptying to help de-clutter pavements and improve access in town centre.