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News and features from Harborough District Council - August 2026 |
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Cllr Simon Whelband Leader of Harborough District Council |
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| I hope you are all having a great summer and enjoying the warm weather.
We’re quickly heading towards the deadline for nominations for our Harborough District Community Awards (18 August). We have been getting nominations in steadily, but we would still like to get as many as possible from all areas of our district.
We’d also like a few more nominations for Young Person of the Year (11-18), Volunteer of the Year (19-59 years) and Volunteer of the Year (60+).
Please do tell us about local heroes who go the extra mile in your community so we can say a big thank you to them.
The past month has been busy, as ever. We have rolled out new waste and street cleaning vehicles, installed new inclusive play equipment, put in place a plan to start our food waste collections next April, celebrated our parks and started our annual canvass for the electoral register.
There is lots more going on besides, including local government reorganisation – there will be more on this in future newsletters.
While many of us enjoy the sun, the lack of rain does of course have unwelcome consequences, not least the pressure on water supply.
Those of us who are Anglian Water customers are now under a hosepipe ban and we know there is widespread drought elsewhere. Our environmental partners and water suppliers are urging us all to do our bit to reduce water consumption where we can. Please see suggestions below for you to consider.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer!
Best wishes, Simon |
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New council fleet strengthens waste and street cleansing services |
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We've made a significant investment in a new fleet of waste collection and street cleansing vehicles to serve households across the district.
The new vehicles replace ageing equipment used to deliver essential environmental services. They will improve reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and provide council teams with modern, safer equipment.
Members of Harborough District Youth Council were asked to choose names for the waste collection lorries, and they went for animals native to the area. Keep an eye out for William the Woodpecker, Alfie the Adder, Hannah the Hedgehog and Barry the Bat and more. |
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New inclusive play equipment unveiled at Welland Park |
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Children are enjoying a range of new inclusive play features at Welland Park following a £50,000 investment by Harborough District Council. The improvements form the latest phase of a wider programme to enhance the park and enable children of all ages and abilities to play, explore and learn together.
The equipment has been carefully selected to improve accessibility and sensory play provision, helping more children enjoy the park regardless of their abilities or needs.
The new facilities include a wheelchair-accessible all-terrain vehicle, sensory play panels, musical play equipment, a sign language learning panel and a Braille alphabet and number board.
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Revised start date for food waste collections |
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Weekly household food waste collections will start across Harborough district from 1 April 2027.
Cabinet agreed to push back the start date following delays to the delivery of the specialist vehicle fleet needed to operate the new service with vehicles not available until the end of November.
The new start date also means the service can be introduced to align with the start of the council’s new Environmental Services contract. It also avoids introducing a major new collection service over the busy Christmas and New Year period, when waste and recycling crews are managing significantly increased waste volumes and altered collection schedules.
The introduction of separate weekly food waste collections is a statutory requirement under the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms and is part of a national plan to increase recycling, reduce waste sent to landfill and deliver environmental benefits.
Read more about food waste collections on our website. |
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Nominate your local heroes for our Community Awards before 18 August |
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Join us in celebrating the everyday heroes and hidden champions across Harborough District by making a nomination now for our Community Awards.
Let's recognise our volunteers, inspirational young people, community groups and businesses by shining a light on those making a real difference in our community.
This year the categories are: - Voluntary and Community Group of the Year Young Person of the Year (11-18yrs)
- Volunteer of the Year (19-59yrs)
- Volunteer of the Year (age 60+yrs)
- The Citizenship Cup
- Stronger Together: Workplace Impact Award Business-Community Impact of the Year Award
Do you know someone or a group or organisation who’s making a difference in their community?
Maybe they: - Coach their children’s sports team every weekend or help wash the kit or organise refreshments
- Run a local youth or community group or reading club
- Sit on a charity board or school governing body
- Organise arts, heritage or community events
- Volunteer as a befriender or mental health supporter
- Help out with local clean-up days or fundraising efforts
- Go above and beyond their everyday role to support their community
- Are a business that gives back
Nominate someone who makes Harborough district a better place to live, work, and belong before midnight on 18 August 2026. |
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Thanks for taking part in our consultation on a new parish council for Market Harborough |
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Thank you to everyone who took part in phase two of our consultation on the technical aspects of a new Market Harborough parish council.
Responses are being collated and the consultation results will be reported to Harborough district councillors for a final decision. Timescales for this will be published shortly.
In April, residents voted in favour of a new parish council in a non-binding poll. This followed phase one of our consultation, as part of a community governance review. |
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Market Harborough to honour Thomas Cook with new statue and heritage trail |
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The contribution of Thomas Cook, the founder of modern tourism, is set to be recognised with a new statue and heritage trail in Market Harborough.
The statue will be installed by Harborough District Council in the Friendship Park (pictured above) on Northampton Road, celebrating one of the town's most notable historical figures and strengthening Market Harborough's connection to its rich history.
To mark the occasion, the park will be renamed Thomas Cook Friendship Park, creating a lasting tribute to his contribution to the development of modern tourism.
Market Harborough played a pivotal role in Cook's story. It was during a 15-mile walk from his home in the town to Leicester in June 1841 that he conceived the idea of using the emerging railway network to organise group travel. That inspiration led to the first organised rail excursion the following month and laid the foundations for what would become modern package tourism.
The statue will also serve as the starting point for a new heritage trail, encouraging people to discover the locations associated with Cook's life and work. |
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Record tourism figures put Harborough district in the spotlight |
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New tourism figures have highlighted Harborough district’s growing appeal as a visitor destination, with the latest Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) report showing that the local visitor economy was worth £209.29 million in 2025.
Day visitors spent £133.51 million, while overnight visitors contributed £75.78 million to the local economy. The tourism sector supported 1,865 full-time equivalent jobs, reinforcing its importance to the district’s economic prosperity. Some 2.78 million visitors came to Harborough district in 2025, representing a 3.3% increase on the previous year. |
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Neighbourhood plan consultations - have your say |
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Three neighbourhood plan consultations are currently underway and local residents are invited to have their say. Details can be found on our consultation web page for: - Saddington Neighbourhood Forum designation (2026 to 2031), closing date for responses: 12 August 2026
- Shearsby Neighbourhood Plan Review, closing date for responses: 2 September 2026
- Bitteswell Neighbourhood Plan, closing date for responses: 9 September 2026
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Stay safe in the water this summer |
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With the temperature rising it may be tempting to cool off in lakes, ponds and rivers. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are reminding us to take care and exercise caution to stay safe this summer.
Around 320 people drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer injury, some life changing, through near-drowning experiences. Check out their advice page for more information and share it with your family and friends. |
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Get healthy and enjoy the great outdoors this summer |
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Now that summer is here why not take a look at the wide range of healthy activities on offer across our district?
If you're looking for ideas on boosting your health and wellbeing, take a look at our Active Together Harborough website. From cycling to running, Parkrun to Parkift there's something for everyone on offer.
Along with information about activity sessions and useful links to specific programmes, you’ll find details of local groups, exercise classes and activities, plus a range of community activity programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds.
There is also information on local sporting activities and clubs, healthy eating and self-help. |
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Spotlight on Harborough district parks in national Love Parks Week |
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We supported national Love Parks Week in July to celebrate the vital role our green spaces play in boosting our health and wellbeing.
We all know that exercise is great for our mental and physical health and a stroll around the many wonderful parks and green spaces in Harborough district is a great way to boost your step count and your mood.
Ready for a walk or a jog? Find parks and open spaces to visit in Harborough district for a breath of fresh air and check out our free heritage trails.
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Free holiday clubs and gym passes for eligible young people |
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Free holiday clubs are still available this month for eligible families.
Families with children aged four to 16 receiving benefits-related free school meals can sign up now for the government-funded places at venues across the county. Organised locally by Leicestershire County Council with support from Active Together, the Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) programme ‘Holidays Together’ offers up to four sessions for each child over the summer holidays.
From summer-themed activities, sports, crafts and a healthy meal each day – there’s something for everyone. Sessions take place across Leicestershire. |
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Look out for our electoral canvass letter and check you're registered to vote |
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Every year we check the electoral register is up to date. We’re now contacting all households to make sure those eligible to vote are registered.
Your household will receive a letter/form shortly, asking you to check your details. Just follow the steps on the letter/form to ensure you’re registered and ready to vote. |
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Help to save water this summer |
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The hot, dry weather this summer has led the Environment Agency to declare drought conditions across seven regions of England. While Harborough District is not currently affected, some residents are under a hosepipe ban and the East Midlands could face similar pressures if dry conditions continue, according to the Environment Agency.
The drought is affecting agriculture, wildlife, river ecosystems, public services and increasing the risk of wildfires. Climate change is making extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves and flooding more frequent and severe.
There are a number of things we can all do to reduce water demand - here are a few suggestions from our climate impact officer: - Take shorter showers
- Turn off taps while brushing your teeth
- Fix leaks promptly
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full
- Use a watering can instead of a hose
- Water plants in the early morning or evening
- Collect rainwater for garden use
- Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge instead of running the tap
Help young trees You can also do you your bit to help young trees that are particularly vulnerable during periods of hot, dry weather.
While our teams work hard to care for trees on land owned by the council across the district, it's impossible to water every one during prolonged dry spells.
If there's a young tree near your home, please consider giving it a bucket of water. You can even use leftover bath, shower or washing-up water, known as grey water. |
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Youth Council celebrates successful year and invites new members to get involved |
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Young people across Harborough district are being encouraged to help shape the future of their communities by joining the Harborough District Youth Council for the 2026-27 academic year.
Over the past year, the youth council has provided young people with a platform to influence decision-making at both local and national levels. They have contributed to important consultations, including the National Youth Strategy and the Community Governance Review, ensuring the views of young people are represented.
As recruitment opens for new members, the youth council is also celebrating the launch of its brand-new logo - a project designed and led by young people in partnership with Speak Out Magazine. Students from schools across the district were invited to submit their designs and youth council members reviewed the shortlisted entries and chose a winning design created by a student from Welland Park Academy.
If you know a young person aged 11-18 who may be interested in the Youth Council, get in touch at youthvoice@harborough.gov.uk. |
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Get in touch with your local councillor |
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Would you like to talk with your local councillor about an issue or concern? Visit our website for details of which councillors represent your area and how you can get in touch with them. The website lists contact details and information about political affiliation and personal interests.
You can search for your local councillors by postcode, political party, ward or name. From the same page on our website you can also find details about your local MP. |
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Tell us what you think of this newsletter |
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Save time - get in touch with us online |
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Did you know it's often quicker and easier to contact us online?
Report it
Report missed bin collections, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and more online.
Our online reporting services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
www.harborough.gov.uk/report
Make a payment
Find information about paying Council Tax, business rates, planning applications and more:
www.harborough.gov.uk/payment-options
Apply for it
Apply for jobs, licences, permits, benefits and more online
www.harborough.gov.uk/apply
Contact us
If you have any other enquiries, contact us at: www.harborough.gov.uk/contact
Not online?
If you do not have access to the internet, a family member or friend may be able to help you find the information you need. If not, call our customer services team on 01858 828282
They are available: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.45am to 5pm and Wednesday 9.30am to 5pm. Customer services are closed on bank holidays and for a few days during the Christmas break
Have your say!
We regularly consult residents on initiatives and issue publicity to spread the word. Our consultations are on our website so keep an eye out and tell us your views: www.harborough.gov.uk/consultation. |
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- Until September, Market Harborough Library and Harborough Museum, Marston Trussell’s Forgotten Photographer, an exhibition on the story of Marston Trussell and pioneering Victorian photographer William Law's portraits of village life in the 19 century
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