The leader of North West Leicestershire District Council says the Ecopark plans for the Hermitage Recreation Ground will bring the area 'back to life'.

Cllr Richard Blunt told a meeting of the council's Cabinet in Coalville last week that the project has allayed the fears of local residents following the demolition of the former Hermitage Leisure Centre.

Councillors have backed the phased delivery of the proposed £280,000 Ecopark in Whitwick.

The scheme, details of which were released by North West Leicestershire District Council in April, will take shape the Recreation Ground, with work due to begin in September.

Whitwick-based County Councillor Tony Gillard said the scheme would not cost the council any money as it has directly secured £182,860 of funding and used this to leverage in a further £100,000 of investment to be delivered by third party partners to create a £282,860 scheme.

Cllr Blunt said: "When we were first looking at what to do with the Hermitage Leisure Centre, a lot of local residents were concerned that what we were planning to do might adversely affect this piece of land.

"People saw them together. They thought that, if they were losing the Leisure Centre from Whitwick at that end, then maybe this land would also be at threat.

"We weren't able at that time to have these plans in place.

"It was a genuine concern, so it's nice that, a year later, we're now doing something to bring it back to life.

"When each phase is completed, we should go to enjoy its success, and feel connected to it."

Cllr Michael Wyatt told the meeting that 3,500 trees would be planted as part of the project.

He said: "The trees would absorb an estimated 3,500 tonnes of carbon when mature, which is a very positive contribution to the council's zero carbon roadmap.

"This is a positive and unique partnership between the council, the National Forest, the Forestry Commission, Leicestershire County Council, Earthwatch and Everyone Active.

"Our partners are keen to make progress on this site with a anticipated start on site in September this year."

Cllr Gillard added this was 'really good news' for the district.

He said: "I've spoken to many local people about the scheme - and they are really quite excited about it.

"I'm fully supportive of it, I can't wait to see it come to fruition.

"Plus, one of the other benefits of it to the council is, that it's not costing us any money."