Plans to redesign Coalville's Marlborough Square - with a pedestrianised space for markets and events - are back on track, says North West Leicestershire District Council.

With the opening of Newmarket – Coalville's new indoor market and meeting venue – last month, the council says the focus is now shifting to the creation of a public events space on the market's doorstep.

The most recent stumbling block for the Marlborough Square redesign has been a collapsed sewer that runs under the ground across a large part of the square.

Severn Trent has now started work to fix the problem.

The council adds that plans to redesign Marlborough Square are supported by businesses and locals alike.

Plans were initially drawn up in 2018, but the complexity and detail involved in the project mean it has hit a number of issues along the way, leading to delays.

The district council is now reaffirming its commitment to the re-design as part of its priority to help Coalville be a vibrant, family-friendly town.

Once the sewerage work is complete, the council plans to push ahead with the redesign as quickly as possible and is currently seeking contractors for the work.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "At the opening of Newmarket, the only negative comments we had were that it was a shame the outdoor market on Marlborough Square wasn't ready yet.

"And rightly so – it is a huge shame, but this just makes us more determined to complete the project and really show how this part of town can come to life with investment and focus.

"A project as complex as this always hits issues along the way, but we're getting tired of the delays.

"We have a good, solid design that people are happy with.

"We have the money ready to spend on this great public space. And we are now pushing to get everything in order to start work."