News and events news
Free Wi-Fi connection goes live in Lutterworth town centre
Published on Friday 26 April 2024Visitors and businesses in Lutterworth town centre can now connect to free Wi-Fi introduced by Harborough District Council.
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Local projects benefit from more than £1.5 million
Published on Monday 15 April 2024Over £1.5 million has been handed out to a diverse range of community projects thanks to the district council.
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Council invites applications for rural arts, creative, heritage and cultural grants
Published on Monday 8 April 2024Businesses and organisations starting to work or already working in the local arts, cultural, heritage and creative sectors in the Harborough district can now apply for grant funding.
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Council approves Harborough district’s biggest solar farm
Published on Tuesday 2 April 2024A solar farm, which will be the largest in the Harborough district, will be created in Wistow after approval by Harborough District Council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday, March 26.
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Council relaunches grants for rural Harborough business
Published on Monday 25 March 2024Businesses in the Harborough district are encouraged to apply for grant funding again through the Harborough Rural Grant Scheme 2024/25.
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Go Green business event will present a sustainable future
Published on Wednesday 20 March 2024Innovative and creative businesses are invited to attend the Go Green business event in June of this year.
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Businesses prosper from free support and funding through retail programme
Published on Wednesday 20 March 2024Independent shops across Harborough district have benefitted from receiving free support and cash grants for improvements to help them thrive.
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Six new interpretation boards commemorating Naseby Battlefield to be unveiled
Published on Monday 18 March 2024Market Harborough is set to commemorate its historic ties to the pivotal Battle of Naseby with the installation of six new battlefield interpretation boards around the town centre and Welland Park.
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Improvements made to community facilities and public open spaces thanks to developer funding allocated by council
Published on Monday 4 March 2024.
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Improvements made to revitalise Broughton Astley
Published on Monday 26 February 2024Attractive improvements have been made in Broughton Astley as part of a winter spruce up.
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Harborough Big Weekend was a barrel of laughs for delighted audiences
Published on Monday 26 February 2024Audiences roared with laughter at events for Harborough Big Weekend as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival.
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More bicycle parking introduced in Lutterworth town centre
Published on Monday 19 February 2024Cyclists visiting Lutterworth have another place to store their bikes with the addition of a new bicycle park.
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Environmental Grant Scheme launched to encourage greener communities
Published on Tuesday 13 February 2024A council initiative set to empower communities to be greener has opened to applications.
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Inclusive animating arts project arrives in Market Harborough
Published on Thursday 8 February 2024Free participation in expressive visual art is being offered to people of all ages this February half-term thanks to a new Creative Leicestershire project funded by Arts Council England.
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Harborough Market footfall count shows rise in visitors
Published on Thursday 8 February 2024Visitor numbers to Harborough Market over the festive period have grown annually according to council data.
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Council to invest in solar technology to boost environmental and financial benefits
Published on Wednesday 7 February 2024Harborough District Council is looking to invest in a Solar PV System on one of its buildings in a bid to reduce emissions and save money.
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Final budget proposes Council Tax freeze for residents
Published on Wednesday 7 February 2024.
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Improved visitor experience website showcases all Harborough district has to offer
Published on Wednesday 24 January 2024Visitors to Harborough district can access helpful tourism information on the newly improved Visit Harborough website.
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Take your business to the next level with council-supported scheme
Published on Wednesday 24 January 2024Small and medium-sized businesses in the Harborough district are urged to take advantage of a government-funded scheme designed to boost leadership acumen and business expansion in 2024.
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Have your say on the district’s important heritage assets
Published on Wednesday 17 January 2024People are being invited to have their say on two conservation and heritage consultations that have launched.
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Have your say on council budget proposals
Published on Tuesday 16 January 2024Residents and businesses are encouraged to have their say on the council’s draft budget proposals for 2024/25.
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New counters measure the number of visitors to market towns
Published on Monday 15 January 2024A new footfall counter system is helping the council to understand better how the market towns of Lutterworth and Market Harborough are being used.
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Physical activity programme JUST returns for 2024
Published on Monday 15 January 2024A popular physical activity programme aimed at women in South Leicestershire is being offered again by Harborough and Blaby district councils.
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New entrance signs to Market Harborough’s Memorial Gardens makes space stand out
Published on Friday 12 January 2024Distinctive signs now take pride of place over the gates at the entrances to the Memorial Gardens in Market Harborough town centre.
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Council leader requests urgent meeting with Secretary of State about impact of new prison on rural district
Published on Tuesday 9 January 2024.
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First consultation on new Local Plan for Harborough district to launch in January
Published on Monday 8 January 2024Following the decision at Council on 18 December to progress with the district’s new local plan, the first public consultation in its preparation will launch on 16 January 2024.
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Council support for flood affected areas
Published on Friday 5 January 2024.
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No changes for council’s new local plan
Published on Friday 22 December 2023Independent specialist planning advice has been sought by the council following the release of the government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
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£5 million boost for leisure facilities in Harborough district
Published on Wednesday 20 December 2023.
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Divest from fossil fuels for pensions says Council
Published on Tuesday 19 December 2023.
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Reports on Local Plan and Leicester’s unmet housing need to be discussed by councillors next Monday
Published on Friday 15 December 2023Four reports relating to the new Local Plan will be discussed at an adjourned Full Council on Monday 18 December 2023 at Harborough District Council.
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Decision on Gartree super prison planning permission won’t be challenged by council
Published on Thursday 14 December 2023Harborough District Council will not challenge the Secretary of State’s decision to allow planning permission for a new Cat B prison adjacent to the current Gartree Prison, councillors have decided.
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Decisions on Local Plan to be debated next week after Full Council meeting was adjourned
Published on Tuesday 12 December 2023Decisions by councillors on the new Local Plan for the Harborough District will be discussed next week after a Full Council meeting was adjourned last night.
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Council leader to ask Council to defer decisions on Local Plan
Published on Friday 8 December 2023The Leader of Harborough District Council, Cllr Phil Knowles, will ask members to defer decisions relating to the new Local Plan.
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Council enhances connectivity in Market Harborough town centre with free Wi-Fi
Published on Thursday 30 November 2023Visitors and businesses in Market Harborough town centre can now enjoy complimentary internet access, thanks to a collaborative effort between Harborough District Council and its suppliers.
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Council is one of the best in the East Midlands for affordable homes delivery
Published on Wednesday 29 November 2023Harborough District Council is one of the leading authorities in the East Midlands region for providing additional affordable housing.
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Council leader asks officers to look at next steps following government’s decision on Gartree Prison Appeal
Published on Friday 17 November 2023.
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Council confirms cost of paying for parking with app has not increased after councillor’s question
Published on Thursday 9 November 2023Harborough District Council has confirmed that charges for paying for parking using the Pay by Phone app have not risen, following a question at a recent Council meeting.
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Council leader re-issues invitation to Secretary of State to visit site of proposed prison extension
Published on Thursday 9 November 2023.
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Call for electric vehicle charging sites across rural areas
Published on Tuesday 7 November 2023Harborough District Council is seeking potential sites for new electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
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Council defers decision to accept Leicester’s ‘unmet housing need’ for second time
Published on Tuesday 7 November 2023“Council is right to defer decision to accept share of Leicester’s ‘unmet housing need’ for second time as a decision must be based on evidence” says council leader.
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Council marks Remembrance with lights and flags tribute
Published on Friday 3 November 2023Tributes have been organised by Harborough District Council to mark the Remembrance commemorations.
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Get set for some fun at Market Harborough’s Christmas lights switch-on celebrations
Published on Friday 3 November 2023Market Harborough is getting ready for a bigger and better Christmas lights switch-on for 2023.
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Council leader begins series of visits to parishes across Harborough
Published on Tuesday 31 October 2023This week (week commencing 30 October 2023) the leader of Harborough District Council will attend the first of a series of meetings with individual Parish Councils and Parish Meetings in the district.
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Free parking in Market Harborough and Lutterworth confirmed across Christmas period
Published on Wednesday 25 October 2023For the first time in a number of years shoppers are set to benefit from free weekend parking in the run up to Christmas in council-owned car parks in the Harborough district.
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Gold for Market Harborough in national In Bloom competition
Published on Tuesday 24 October 2023Market Harborough has won gold in the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Best of Britain awards.
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Council leader to attend public meeting with MPs about Leicester’s unmet housing need
Published on Tuesday 24 October 2023Leader of Harborough District Council, Cllr Knowles, has accepted the invitation to attend a public meeting with Leicestershire’s MPs about Leicester’s unmet housing need.
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Cultural Quarter to boost town centre economy
Published on Monday 23 October 2023A planning application is being submitted this week which will enhance the Cultural Quarter at the heart of Market Harborough and help to promote the town centre to new visitors.
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Leicester and Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground - date for meeting with MPs passes
Published on Friday 20 October 2023.
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Help for local shops to rise and revive across the Harborough district
Published on Wednesday 18 October 2023Tailored retail support is available to independent shops in Harborough district thanks to a new business initiative developed by the council.
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More volunteering opportunities developed thanks to funding
Published on Tuesday 17 October 2023Harborough District Council has been working with Voluntary Action Leicestershire (VAL) to develop volunteering opportunities in the district, thanks to government funding.
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Council encourages more young people to get involved in local government
Published on Tuesday 17 October 2023Young people in the Harborough district are being encouraged to consider a career in local government.
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Harborough Market benefits from new air conditioning system in transformation
Published on Thursday 5 October 2023Traders in the popular food hall of the indoor market are enjoying a brand new air conditioning system following the previous one failing in January and being deemed beyond repair.
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High Sheriff of Leicestershire thanks volunteers on visit to the Harborough district
Published on Wednesday 4 October 2023The High Sheriff of Leicestershire has visited Market Harborough to thank dedicated volunteers in the Harborough district.
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Harborough district projects benefit from over £400k
Published on Monday 2 October 2023Over £400k has been handed out to a diverse range of community projects thanks to the district council.
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New business support service launched in Harborough district
Published on Monday 2 October 2023Businesses across the Harborough district now have access to a new funded business support programme, the Leicestershire Business Advice Service.
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Council’s Domestic Abuse Champion meets with deputy police and crime commissioner
Published on Thursday 28 September 2023In her role as Domestic Abuse Champion at Harborough District Council, Cllr Rose Forman has met with the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Rani Mahal.
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Market Harborough’s Christmas lights switch-on moves to a Saturday
Published on Tuesday 26 September 2023Market Harborough’s Christmas lights switch-on will take place on a Saturday this year to encourage a bigger footfall in the town centre.
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Council defers decision on signing to accept share of Leicester’s ‘unmet housing need’ and issues challenge to local MPs
Published on Tuesday 19 September 2023Harborough District Council has deferred a decision on the signing of an agreement to take on a share of new homes that Leicester City Council is unable to provide within its own boundaries.
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Heritage festival celebrates history and culture in Harborough district
Published on Monday 18 September 2023Some of Harborough district’s oldest and most fascinating buildings welcomed visitors through the doors for September’s Heritage Open Days festival 2023.
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Tilton on the Hill accelerates into the future with launch of Leicestershire’s first electric car club
Published on Monday 18 September 2023A new rural car club giving people the opportunity to hire electric pool vehicles has been established in Tilton on the Hill.
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Waterways and wellbeing activities offered to residents
Published on Thursday 7 September 2023People living in the Harborough district can enjoy paddleboarding, a wellbeing walk, or some canoeing as part of an ongoing council supported waterways and wellbeing social prescribing project.
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Great local food and drink celebrated in Harborough district
Published on Monday 4 September 2023Over 30 businesses enjoyed the launch of a brand new marketing campaign at Tugby restaurant, Café Ventoux.
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Market Harborough shop’s ghost sign restored
Published on Thursday 31 August 2023The flaky remnants of an advertisement painted onto the front of a shop in Market Harborough has been restored to its former glory.
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Council stands with Ukraine on Independence Day
Published on Wednesday 23 August 2023Press release
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Clarification on ‘duty to cooperate’ legislation requested from Secretary of State
Published on Wednesday 23 August 2023Press release
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Appeal for information about play park graffiti
Published on Thursday 17 August 2023The Leader of Harborough District Council has condemned those behind a recent incident of graffiti in Market Harborough and says it ruins the appearance of neighbourhoods.
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New initiative to improve rural employability
Published on Wednesday 16 August 2023Unemployed people in the Harborough district can move a step closer to employment thanks to a new council initiative.
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Council leader reassures businesses about shoplifting concerns
Published on Monday 14 August 2023Businesses in Market Harborough have been visited by the council leader after some raised concerns about shoplifting in the town during a recent meeting at the council offices.
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Discover Harborough district’s local heritage with free open days
Published on Thursday 10 August 2023Local landmarks, heritage sites and historic buildings across the Harborough district will be opening their doors to the public this September as part of the annual Heritage Open Days festival.
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Grant scheme available for residents to make homes energy efficient
Published on Thursday 10 August 2023Residents across the Harborough district are being encouraged to apply for funding to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and to help make them warmer and greener.
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Traders meet with council leader
Published on Friday 4 August 2023A group of traders have met with the leader of Harborough District Council, Cllr Phil Knowles, to discuss the recent event at Market Harborough Showground.
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Council leader launches last-ditch attempt to save Market Harborough Railway Station Ticket Office
Published on Wednesday 26 July 2023The Leader of Harborough District Council, Cllr Phil Knowles, has held a meeting with East Midlands Railway (EMR) in a last-ditch attempt to help save the Ticket Office facility at Market Harborough
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Countywide campaign to prevent fly-tipping launched
Published on Monday 17 July 2023Residents are being warned to be careful with their waste as a crackdown on fly-tipping gets underway.
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Major improvements transform Harborough district’s play areas
Published on Monday 10 July 2023Eight play areas across the Harborough district have been transformed with the installation of new play equipment for children of all ages and abilities.
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Attractive wildflowers improve council’s open spaces
Published on Tuesday 4 July 2023More beautiful wildflowers have been planted across the Harborough district to improve council-owned open spaces and bring environmental benefits to the area.
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Council lights up blue to support the NHS
Published on Tuesday 4 July 2023Harborough District Council is delighted to light up its building blue to join in celebrations of the NHS’ 75th anniversary.
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Classic car show revving up in Market Harborough
Published on Monday 3 July 2023Smart and stylish vehicles will be on show at the annual Market Harborough Classic Car Show this week.
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Man fined for Council Tax fraud and given suspended prison sentence
Published on Thursday 15 June 2023A 66-year-old man has been convicted of Council Tax fraud after a successful prosecution by Harborough District Council.
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Join Harborough Solar Together to save on renewable energy and help cut carbon emissions
Published on Wednesday 14 June 2023Residents across the Harborough district are being encouraged to invest in renewable energy by buying solar panels and battery storage.
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Council supports Harborough Big Green Week raising awareness of climate change
Published on Thursday 8 June 2023Harborough district is going green for the UK’s biggest call for action on climate change.
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Duty to Cooperate - media statement from Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council
Published on Wednesday 7 June 2023Media statement
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Welland ward has formed a second neighbourhood forum for Market Harborough
Published on Monday 5 June 2023The formation of the volunteer neighbourhood forums in Market Harborough has continued with the application of Welland plan forum for formal designation.
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Young traders invited to sell at entrepreneurial market in Market Harborough
Published on Monday 5 June 2023Budding entrepreneurs are invited to showcase their talent at the first ever Young Traders Market in Market Harborough next month.
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Lutterworth careers event returns for job seekers and employers
Published on Thursday 1 June 2023Job seekers are set for the return of a careers event offering advice on training, skills and finding work, as well as a chance to network with local employers.
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Council shows support for LGBTQ+ communities during Pride Month
Published on Tuesday 30 May 2023Harborough District Council is expressing support and solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities across the district during Pride Month, which is celebrated annually in June.
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Lutterworth businesses benefit from council-funded training to help them grow
Published on Tuesday 30 May 2023Independent retailers in the Harborough district are planning to grow their businesses after receiving expert advice to improve their social media and marketing content.
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Save on your energy bills by joining council’s ‘Big Community Switch’ scheme
Published on Thursday 25 May 2023Residents across the Harborough district are being encouraged to join others in saving money on their energy bills.
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New chairman elected at district council
Published on Monday 22 May 2023Councillor Barbara Johnson has been elected as chairman of Harborough District Council for the 2023/24 council year.
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Lutterworth property given attractive makeover to encourage buyers
Published on Tuesday 16 May 2023A former bank in the centre of Lutterworth has been transformed having been wrapped in vinyl to encourage potential new tenants and improve the look of the town.
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Explore opportunities and get careers advice during Harborough Jobs Week
Published on Thursday 11 May 2023Job seekers in Harborough district will once again be able to explore a wide range of opportunities this month.
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Community projects awarded King’s Coronation grants
Published on Thursday 4 May 2023A total of £20,000 has been awarded to 45 community projects by Harborough District Council.
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Cemetery improvements made as part of extension
Published on Wednesday 3 May 2023An extension of Harborough District Council’s Northampton Road cemetery in Market Harborough has been completed.
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Convention gives businesses options to be greener
Published on Thursday 27 April 2023Businesses are making significant strides forward towards becoming more environmentally friendly after attending the Harborough Go Green Business Convention last month.
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Councils launch survey to learn more about solid fuel burning habits
Published on Tuesday 11 April 2023Two Leicestershire authorities are asking residents to support work to understand fuel burning trends as part of a government-funded campaign.
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Fly-tipping drops as campaign continues to crack down
Published on Tuesday 4 April 2023The number of fly-tipping incidents in Harborough district has fallen in tandem with an ongoing council initiative to stamp it out.
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Town’s first neighbourhood forum established in Little Bowden
Published on Friday 10 March 2023A group of volunteers in Little Bowden has been formally designated a neighbourhood forum.
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Broughton Astley shop given facelift to encourage buyers
Published on Friday 3 March 2023A soon to be vacant shop in Broughton Astley has been temporarily decorated in vinyl to encourage potential new tenants and improve the look of the village centre.
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Park’s toilets made more accessible after major refurbishment
Published on Thursday 2 March 2023The first Changing Places toilet block in the Harborough district has opened to the public today.
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Striking banners welcome people into Market Harborough and Lutterworth
Published on Tuesday 28 February 2023Bright, welcoming banners encouraging people to visit and invest in Harborough district have been erected on lampposts along some of the main gateways into Market Harborough and Lutterworth.
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Harborough and Leicestershire’s EV charging infrastructure boosted by £1.15million government funding
Published on Tuesday 28 February 2023Drivers in the Harborough district and across the county will benefit from the installation of 63 EV chargepoints and the expansion of EV car clubs.
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Tilton on the Hill is supercharged from electric car club and council funded EV chargepoints
Published on Friday 24 February 2023Harborough District Council has teamed up with Leicester-based Green Fox Community Energy Co-operative and residents of Tilton on the Hill to develop the county’s first rural electric car club.
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Council tax set to be frozen for households in the Harborough district for a year
Published on Monday 20 February 2023Harborough District Council is supporting residents in the cost-of-living crisis by keeping its portion of council tax the same for 2023/24.
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Businesses benefit from council grants that have seen them prosper
Published on Thursday 16 February 2023Over the last couple of years, businesses in the Harborough district have been given a helping hand to thrive, following the Covid pandemic, after receiving grants from the council.
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Popular Harborough ‘go-green’ business event returns
Published on Wednesday 15 February 2023A popular Harborough District Council ‘go green’ event is returning to give local businesses the opportunity to find out how to reduce their carbon footprint and be more sustainable.
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Long-term place for recycling and waste set to progress
Published on Thursday 19 January 2023Twelve key pledges for recycling and waste plans in Leicestershire have been set out in a revised partnership strategy to 2050.
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Sapling from Platinum Jubilee ‘Tree of Trees’ welcomed to Welland Park
Published on Thursday 15 December 2022A rowan sapling was ceremonially planted yesterday, Thursday 15 December 2022, in Welland Park, Market Harborough, to mark HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
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Be prepared for an emergency this September
Published on Friday 2 September 2022#30days30waysUK campaign helps people to be better prepared for a wide range of risks and consequences.
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Visitors encouraged back to Market Harborough with programme of events
Published on Thursday 19 August 2021An exciting calendar of summer events kicks off this weekend in Harborough Town Square with a Birds of Prey display this Saturday 21 August.
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Coronavirus - Council launches support for vulnerable residents
Published on Tuesday 31 March 2020Residents in Harborough District can now refer themselves, a family member that requires help or someone in the community who needs help during the Coronavirus crisis to the council’s Community Hub
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Market Harborough Classic Car Show postponed
Published on Tuesday 31 March 2020Market Harborough’s Classic Car Show has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak – but plans are underway to hold the event in 2021.
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District shines at tourism awards
Published on Friday 30 November 2018Local businesses and the town of Market Harborough have won at the prestigious Leicestershire Promotions 2018 Tourism & Hospitality Awards, held on Thursday 29 November 2018 in Leicester.
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Council looks to create £7.5m business ‘grow on space’
Published on Tuesday 20 March 2018Further steps have been taken to create £7.5million ‘grow on space’ for businesses in the Harborough district.
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Council to commemorate historic anniversaries
Published on Tuesday 6 February 2018Two major events from history are to be commemorated locally as part of their 100th anniversary.
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Patients urged to join their local group
Published on Thursday 29 May 2014Patients in East Leicestershire and Rutland are being encouraged to get involved in helping to shape local health services ahead of Patient Participation Awareness Week (2-7 June).
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