Sites in Loughborough, Rothley, Anstey, Mountsorrel and Syston will be sold and residents moved out.
Work on the cricket pitch - which forms part of the project - is set to be completed in 2027.
The horse dates back to between 1920 and 1930, and is estimated to be worth about £2,000.
Passengers are being urged to plan ahead as works have caused disruption between Nottingham and Leicester.
Breward's Coffee Shop in Mountsorrel has recently reopened following a refurbishment.
Residents say they are concerned about loss of woodland and the quarry encroaching on the village.
A group of repair volunteers in Leicestershire are getting ready for their biggest ever event.
The owners of the out-of-control dog have both been sentenced at Leicester Crown Court.
The Scouts group says the trailer would have cost roughly £2,000 to replace.
