Master plan for rundown town

The plan aims to support local businesses

An initiative for major change has been announced for one of the most deprived parts of Leicestershire.

The county council has identified seven key areas in which to make improvements in South Wigston.

Residents say their town has become undesirable and unkempt.

In a move to regenerate the area, the county council has now unveiled a master plan.

Community views

Areas for action include initiatives to get young people off the streets, improving educational links to combat poor literacy and numeracy skills and doing more to support businesses.

Angela Coundell, a florist in the town, said: "There is very little in the way of shops to attract your attention and make you pull up and stop and want to buy something.

"It certainly looks like there is a lot to be done."

Councillors say they plan to use existing support schemes as a starting point for improvement.

They also say views were sought from the local community in drawing up the master plan.

It is expected that changes will be seen from the autumn.