Work is set to begin this month to remove the 'outdated' traffic-calming features on Ashby Road in Coalville.

The £250,000 scheme is aimed at improving the highway environment in the area.

Leicestershire County Council has confirmed roadworks will start on January 18 and involve removing the current chicanes, providing more on-street parking and making the area safer for pedestrians.

At the start of last year, local residents and businesses were consulted on the plans and they are now being contacted directly with details of the work, which will be carried out from the junction of Ravenstone Road to the junction of Knighton Close.

Jointly funded by the county council and North West Leicestershire District Council, the project will create additional on-street parking facilities and improve vehicular and pedestrian access, with the focus on vulnerable road users.

The County Council says the traffic-calming measures are now 'outdated'.

The proposed improvements include:

• Creation of 16 on-street parking spaces, with the removal of three spaces;

• Extending the existing advisory 20mph zone outside a school;

• Removal of three priority narrowings;

• Removal of 13 sheltered parking/traffic calming build-outs;

• Creation of two uncontrolled crossing points;

• Improvements to four of the existing uncontrolled crossing points;

• Removal of unnecessary street furniture, such as guard railing;

• Replacement of existing illuminated bollards with reflective bollards.

The county council adds that the roadworks will also provide safer access at the main entrance to the revamped Snibston Country Park and the ASDA/BP petrol station.

It also says the improvements will complement the recent regeneration of the former Snibston Colliery site, which aims to bring together Coalville's industrial heritage and natural landscape.

Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: "The scheme represents part of a wider initiative to invest in Coalville, including a revamp of Snibston Country Park."

Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "It is great to be working with the county council to improve this vital gateway to Coalville.

"This work is an important piece of the Coalville regeneration jigsaw – a project that improves the town's infrastructure, transport links and visual impact as people arrive to shop or spend their leisure time. It also complements the new cycle and footpath access to the town centre from the Snibston Colliery Park.

"New council homes on the disused police station site, the now regenerated former bus station and the county council's excellent Snibston Colliery Park project are all major regeneration projects completed along Ashby Road in recent times.

"Improving the road that leads to these regenerated sites and the town centre itself is a further step forward and something which will see long-term benefits for local people."

Last month, Snibston Colliery Park officially reopened following a £3million regeneration scheme carried out by the County Council.

Building work for the project started in February 2020, incorporating a range of developments.

What else do I need to know?

Here are our previous articles on the Ashby Road redevelopment and Snibston Country Park

Coalville road improvements are designed to encourage people to visit the town

Council wants your views on road improvement in Coalville

Snibston Colliery Park had officially re-opened

Transformation of Snibston site pushing ahead says councillor