News in Ashby

The church that was severely damaged in last week's storms plans to hold a Sunday service as usual this weekend - if Storm Dennis does not strike.

St Margaret's Church in Blackfordby saw the gable end crumble and fell off during the extreme conditions brought in by Storm Ciara.

The Ashby area is set for another pounding from the weather this weekend - less than a week after Storm Ciara hit.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds during Saturday and Sunday when Storm Dennis is due.

Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen says residents will be 'living in a community they can be proud of' after the Government increased North West Leicestershire District Council's budget increased by 6.7 per cent.

Mr Bridgen has welcomed the Government's confirmation that Leicestershire County Council will also see its budget increased by 7.4 per cent this year - saying it is part of the Conservatives' commitment to level up local services across the country.

The Bee Farmer - otherwise known as David McDowell from Ashby - is staging a Foundation Course in Beekeeping later this month.

It will be held at The Old School Room in Main Street, Blackfordby on February 22 and 23.

By Amy Orton

Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton has welcomed the news that HS2 is to press ahead through the East Midlands - skirting Measham and Ashby.

• Weekend storms caused part of the church to fall to the ground

• The primary school next door closed its doors on Monday on safety grounds

At least 50 Ashby businesses will be taking part in Fiver Fest which begins this weekend.

To show the importance of supporting our high streets, Ashby is joining in with thousands of independent shops and businesses across the UK, in over 100 High Streets, to put on very special £5 offers across two weeks in February, from the 15th to the 29th.

Ashby Ivanhoe Under-Nine Knights impressed against North Warwickshire at the NFU - despite missing out in this Tamworth Invitation Cup Quarter Final tie.

Some solid defending and impressive goalkeeping by Harry Milner kept Ashby in the game.

Ashby Ivanhoe went down narrowly at Cadbury Athletic in their Midland League Division One clash on Saturday after missing a late penalty.

After a cagey opening, it was the home side who took the lead after 38 minutes when they made the most of the windy conditions at a free-kick.

Ashby Ivanhoe Under-14s produced a dominant display to seal a 4-1 win over Mayfield.

The victory would have been even more emphatic but for a series of missed chances as Ivanhoe ran the game against the Ashbourne side.