News and features from Harborough District Council - May 2026

Subscribe to garden waste collections

Subscriptions to our garden waste collection service are open.

You can put grass cuttings, leaves, flowers, weeds, twigs and small branches in your green wheeled bin which is collected fortnightly from the kerbside outside your home.

You don't need an account and there's no sign-up to the service and recurring payments are no longer taken automatically.

The garden waste collection service charge has been frozen for the fourth year in a row and you will get collections until November.

Market Harborough parish council update

Residents of Market Harborough have voted in favour of a new parish council in a non-binding poll held on 30 April. 

The poll followed earlier consultation and is part of a process that could see a parish council created for the town. The results were as follows: 

• Total in favour of creating a parish council: 4,243 votes (86%)

• Total against creating a parish council: 685 votes (14%)

• Rejected: 7

• Total electorate: 20,544

• Total votes cast: 4,935

• Turnout: 24%

District councillors will now discuss next steps including a further consultation ahead of final proposals being drafted later this year.

Currently, there is no parish council in Market Harborough which means Harborough District Council provides services such as parks, play areas, cemeteries and bus shelters that in other parts of the district might be provided by a parish council.

Market Harborough residents are charged for the cost of these services as special expenses. 

With nationwide local government reorganisation, a number of district councils are looking at whether to create or change new parish councils in the unparished parts of their area.

Enjoy our district in National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month so why not take some time one weekend to explore our beautiful district?

Find a range of heritage trails with easy-to-follow routes in our historic villages and towns. 

Walking routes include areas such as Great Bowden, Medbourne, Husbands Bosworth and lots more, including the Kibworth heritage trails.

Discover more things to see and do across the district and join a local walking group and make new friends along the way.

Check food hygiene ratings before you dine out!

Are you making plans for a meal out or takeaway? Check the premises food hygiene rating before you book.

Harborough district businesses can find guidance on registering a food business and information about food hygiene ratings on our website

Noise Action Week 11 to 15 May

It's Noise Action Week from 11 to 15 May so we're raising awareness of the impact noise can have on our health, wellbeing and communities by sharing practical ways we can all help reduce unwanted noise.

Everyday noise is a normal part of life and we shouldn’t expect our environments to be completely silent.

However, some noise can cross the line and be classed as a statutory nuisance under the law. 

Examples include dogs barking an unreasonable amount, loud parties and building work out of reasonable hours. If you're affected by noise you can report it.

Give your health and wellbeing a boost this spring

If you are looking to be more active and boost your health and wellbeing a boost this spring, then check out our Active Together Harborough website for a range of activities for all.

As well as details about activity sessions and useful links to specific programmes, you’ll find information about local groups, exercise classes and activities alongside a range of community activity programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds. 

There is also information local sporting activities and clubs, healthy eating and self-help.

Business-Community Impact of the Year Award winners Welcomm Communications

Welcomm Communications won the Business-Community Impact of the Year Award at our Community Awards last year.

The new award was presented to the Welcomm team by Gareth Thomas, President and Abi Brown, Secretary from the Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

This award, supported by Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, recognises businesses that are inspirational in engaging and supporting their local communities, leading to improving lives for residents. 

Cllr David Gair

Everyone at that the council was saddened to hear that Cllr David Gair had passed away in April. 

Cllr Gair was passionate about representing his community, having been a long-standing member of Lutterworth Town Council before joining Harborough District Council as a councillor for Lutterworth East since 2023.

Prior to joining Harborough District Council, he served as a town council representative on the Standards Committee and following his election was appointed chair of the Audit and Standards Committee as well as serving on the Planning Committee.

Our thoughts are with Cllr Gair's family and friends.

Tell us what you think of this newsletter

Thank you to those of you who have completed our one-minute reader survey in recent weeks.

The survey, which asks for views on this newsletter, is still open so if you haven't completed it yet please do and let us know your thoughts so we can make improvements. Thank you!