News in Ashby

South Derbyshire is to go into Tier 2 Coronavirus restrictions from 12.01am on Saturday.

The region's MP Heather Wheeler tweeted the news just after 4.30pm today (Thursday).

There has been a further rise in the number of daily cases of coronavirus in North West Leicestershire.

A further 33 have been recorded over the past 24 hours.

Around 24 jobs are to be created at KP's snack factory in Ashby with the announcement that its Better For You Popchips brand is being moved to the Smisby Road site.

Popchips production had previously being farmed out to other areas of the UK and to Belgium.

A revised list of road works affecting Ashby has been issued by Leicestershire County Council - including an update on the state of Derby Road.

After work on a gas installation was completed at the weekend, the road was re-opened.

Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen has explained why he was one of more than 300 Conservative MPs who voted to block plans to extend free school meals for the most vulnerable children in society in the House of Commons.

Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford has been putting pressure on the Government to support the issue following his own experience as a child.

The Mayor and Mayoress's Christmas Raffle will be held in The Lamb Inn in December with more than 400 prizes on offer.

It will be hosted by landlady Alex Stanley at the Market Street venue on December 12 between mid-day and 6pm.

Free school meals will be provided for 12,000 county pupils for the rest of this academic year, Leicestershire County Council has confirmed via Ashby councillor Nick Rushton.

The authority has pledged £500,000 to fund the meals over Christmas, half-term and Easter breaks.

An unlicensed private hire driver has been prosecuted by North West Leicestershire District Council for driving illegally for Ashby taxi firm, A1 Taxis.

Appearing at Loughborough Magistrates' Court on Thursday, October 8, Zara Siraj, 40, of Cardigan Road, Bedworth, pleaded guilty to three offences including driving a licensed vehicle without a private hire driver's licence, failing to have insurance to cover third party risks and providing incorrect and misleading information to Licensing Enforcement Officers.

Employees at Packington-based electricians A & J Bartlett Ltd have gone into self-isolation until early next month.

All of the team took a Covid-19 test after one was contacted by a friend to say he had tested positive.

Ashby's Monkey Tree restaurant and bar has been praised for staying open and serving the community during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The Mill Lane Mews venue was highlighted as part of Ashby receiving a Purple Flag award which is given to towns who promote their night-time economy.