Local residents are being asked to provide feedback on plans to create an eco-park at the Hermitage Recreation Ground - which are now available to view. 

The first phase of North West Leicestershire District Council's (NWLDC) plans to develop the Recreation Ground in Whitwick includes turning part of it into an eco-park, that could see more trees, footpaths and an outdoor adventure trail.

People are being asked what they think of the indicative plans and have until Sunday, May 14 to share their feedback HERE.

The council adds that residents were asked in July last year how they would like to see the recreation ground be used and from the schemes listed - and 92 per cent of respondents either supported or strongly supported the idea of an eco-park.

Plans are still be developed on the second phase of the project which will include an Active Community Zone and future use of the Hermitage Leisure Centre site.

These plans include:

• Planting 3,375 additional trees
• Creating more woodland areas
• Creating more footpaths throughout the eco-park
• Installing an adventure trim trail for ages 3 – 18
• Adding interactive points throughout the eco-park

The former leisure centre was demolished after proposals to turn it into a community venue were rejected.

Housing is now seen as a likely redevelopment of the site.

The council says the development of the eco-park will not be impacted by these plans which are ready to go ahead now.

North West Leicestershire District Council will be working in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, Earthwatch, Everyone Active, the National Forest and Forestry Commission.

It adds the project will come at no extra cost from the council or taxpayers, and will receive over £500,000 in funding from the following contributions:

• National Forest Changing Landscapes Scheme
• Forestry Commission Local Authority Treescapes Fund
• The Council's leisure partner Everyone Active
• The Cropston Drive/Waterworks Road housing development in Coalville
• The UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Feedback from the online consultation will be presented to NWLDC's Cabinet in July.

Subject to Cabinet approval, it is likely that the plans to develop the eco-park will take place later this year.

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at NWLDC, said: "Based on previous feedback, we're now ready to progress with plans to develop an eco-park on part of the Hermitage Recreation Ground.

"We already know that people are supportive of the idea, we now just need to know what they think to our vision.

"Feedback from the community is really important to us and would encourage residents to take a look at the plans and let us know what they think by Sunday, May 14."