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News and Features from Harborough District Council - Sept 2021 |
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Cllr Phil King
Leader of Harborough District Council |
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Lots to celebrate and be proud of in the district |
In the last edition of this newsletter, I talked about the excitement around the Olympics in Tokyo. During the Games, Dylan Fletcher from Market Harborough and his sailing team won a gold medal. What an amazing achievement this is. Congratulations to him, his team, and everyone who was part of Team GB, representing us all on the global stage.
They are a credit and inspiration to all of us and I hope the Olympic stars of the future, who might live locally, are inspired to take part in sports and physical activities on offer in the district and follow their dreams to win a medal one day. Good luck and please let us know how we can help!
We've also had some success of our own, albeit not in the sporting world, but through our excellent proactive work in the community. Our layby litter campaign is getting impressive results, and we have managed to catch even more people who are responsible for disposing of rubbish inappropriately. These efforts are helping reduce the blight on our district and ensuring our district is cleaner and greener. We're also helping reduce anti-social behaviour.
Thank you to all the staff, partners and residents who are helping us make a difference with this - they too deserve our praise and admiration.
Cllr Phil King |
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Share your pics for 'People's gallery' |
Harborough Market is asking residents to search their records and send in any old pictures of Market Harborough or town events, to display as part of the 800th anniversary of the Tuesday markets in the town. A gallery of historical pictures will be launched in September, with residents invited to come and have a look, while supporting the local market. Look out for more details over the coming days. If you would like to take part, please email Bruce at b.martin@harborough.gov.uk to find out more. |
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Campaign to tackle litter along roads reaping positive rewards |
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Our campaign to help crackdown on litter in laybys in the Harborough district is having a positive impact, with significantly less rubbish being dumped by the roadside.
Our enviro-crime officers have noticed less litter in laybys and are regularly speaking to drivers who they have praised for supporting the campaign.
In June, we teamed up with Lutterworth Town Council, Magna Park owners GLP, and other neighbouring local authorities, to launch the initiative which saw provocative new signage, in a number of different languages, put up in litter hotspots and a series of action days held along the A5, A6, A47, A426, A4304 and A4303 roads, which saw our enviro-crime officers speaking to drivers to let them know about the campaign.
Extra patrols - using vehicles fitted with cameras - are also being carried out.
Whilst the emphasis of the campaign is about education, rather than enforcement, a second fixed penalty notice has just been issued to a driver from Tunbridge Wells who was seen by one of our officers this month throwing a drinks can and a used tissue out of their car window whilst travelling along the A47 in the Harborough district. The vehicle owner has now been ordered to pay £150.
Further action days are planned across the district over the coming weeks.
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....and we've caught another person fly-tipping in our district.... |
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A man who dumped leaflets he was employed to deliver, has been caught and fined for fly-tipping.
A witness came forward and tipped off Harborough District Council after spotting the man dumping the leaflets in Lubenham Hill, Market Harborough, in June 2021.
The Council contacted the company, named on the leaflets, who said they had paid the man to deliver the leaflets, not dump them, and were happy to assist the Council with its investigation.
The company said they had now terminated his employment.
The man, from Milton Keynes and in his 60s, admitted the offence when questioned, and was issued with a £400 fixed penalty notice.
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The Council thanked the witness and company for helping with its investigation. The Council's award-winning Tip Off campaign has helped catch and fine a number of people responsible for fly-tipping in the Harborough district, and has also significantly reduced the number of fly-tipping incidents over two successive years. | | |
How we are working with others in the countryside to tackle rural crime |
Over the last four years, the Council has worked closely with the Police, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and local farmers to try and tackle rural crime and fly-tipping issues. Disposing of rubbish illegally is unacceptable regardless of whose land it is dumped on. We are currently working with a lot of farmers who have raised areas of concern. Through proactive working we have successfully slowed down the issue. We have several covert CCTV units in place, plus signage, and we regularly patrol key areas. We have had several action days on 'duty of care', to explain that 'your waste is your responsibility', working jointly with the Police stopping any vehicle carrying waste. We will soon be launching a countywide campaign, with neighbouring Councils, regarding fly-tipping and residents' duty of care with their waste and who they transfer it to. We are also starting up a joint group, including several neighbouring Councils, the NFU and the Police to target all aspects of rural crime. Keeping an eye out in our rural communities to prevent arsonWe need your help to prevent haystack fires across the district. Haystack fires, which have been started deliberately, can have a devastating impact on the farming community and it can take days for the emergency services to contain and put out the fire. We need our residents to be the eyes and ears of the community; if you spot anything suspicious in rural areas, you can report it through the 101 telephone number. You could earn a Crimestoppers reward. Get advice on reducing the risk of fire damage to hay, straw and surrounding property here and read this handy guide. | | |
Making positive strides in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour |
| Above: Robert Windsor and Nick Nearne of 24-7 Locks, Rupert Matthews Police and Crime Commissioner, Cllr Simon Whelband, Richard Nunn Mayor of Lutterworth and 24-7 Locks in Lutterworth promoting the Safer Streets Scheme, and below, police and enviro-crime officers in Little Bowden recreation ground to address concerns about anti-social behaviour. | | |
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Crime reduction and community safety measures are having a positive impact across Harborough district thanks to close work with police and partner organisations.
Over 1,000 homes have been contacted in Lutterworth as part of the Safer Streets Scheme which are eligible for a free security assessment, professional security advice and free security upgrades.
This Home Office funded scheme is being implemented by the Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner's office. We are currently offering the scheme to householders in the centre of Lutterworth working alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner and 24-7 Locks Ltd.
Work is also ongoing to install five new CCTV cameras in Lutterworth over the coming months.
Alongside this initiative, recent targeted patrols at parks and open spaces across the district, particularly Little Bowden Recreation Ground in Market Harborough, are significantly reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Community Safety Partnership representatives held a virtual meeting with residents to address concerns, a letter also went to nearby properties, and regular positive engagement with park users took place, including the use of photo and video sharing service Snapchat.
In September, Councillors will also be considering the introduction of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for use of psychoactive substances, such as nitrous oxide, linked to anti-social behaviour.
Earlier this year, we held a consultation, to get people's thoughts on the idea, which garnered 125 responses, with the majority (82%) in favour of introducing the new PSPO measures.
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Guided heritage walks are perfect way to learn more about local history |
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Our guided walks are proving popular with the first few having taken place in Lutterworth and Market Harborough in recent weeks. You can book on to a guided tour with a Blue Badge Guide and learn the stories behind the iconic buildings and stunning churches, discover secret side streets and hidden gems. For guided walks in Lutterworth please meet at St Mary's Church. - Thursday 16 September 7.00pm
- Saturday 18 September 11.30am
- Saturday 25 September 4.00pm
- Saturday 9 October 4.00pm
For guided walks in Market Harborough please meet at St Mary's Church. - Thursday 2 September 7pm – The Story of Market Harborough
- Saturday 18 September 4pm – The Story of Market Harborough
- Thursday 23 September 7pm – Market Harborough Worthies & Characters
- Saturday 25 September 11.30am – The Yards of Market Harborough
- Saturday 2 October 4pm – Market Harborough Worthies & Characters
- Saturday 16 October 4pm – The Yards of Market Harborough
- Saturday 23 October 4pm -The Story of Market Harborough
The guided walks are £5 per person which will need to be paid in cash to the tour guide on the day. Children under 13 can attend for free. |
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| Email james.carpenter@harboroughwalks.org with the location and date of the walk you would like to join, along with the names of those attending.
Please note, all walks are accessible for wheelchair users apart from 'The Yards of Market Harborough' walk which involves narrow alleyways with cobbled surfaces. | | |
Popular event offers chance to step up and help others in community |
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Voluntary groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations will once again be showcasing the work they do as the popular Community and Volunteers Fair returns.
People will have the chance to get involved and find out more about how they can volunteer or help as the event returns to The Square on Saturday 18 September 2021, from 10am to 4pm.
The event, which couldn't be held last year due to coronavirus restrictions, is once again being organised by Harborough District Council, in partnership with Neil O'Brien MP for Harborough.
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Many groups such as LOROS, Spectrum, U3A and VAL will be offering information regarding their services, the resources available to the public, as well as detailing how to get involved with the work that they do as members or volunteers. Any charities or organisations interested in taking part in the fair can contact Sairah Butt at s.butt@harborough.gov.uk for more information. | | |
Town centre survey gets great response with lots of ideas put forward |
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There was a fantastic response to our town centre survey, put together by the Council with local retail group Harbs Collective, which has given businesses "a real boost".
Nearly 300 people, of all ages, shared their thoughts about the way that they shop and engage with local businesses and what shoppers would like to get out of Market Harborough town centre. This feedback will now help inform future town centre discussions.
Those taking part mainly said they visit the town centre for the independent shops, convenience shopping, cafes, restaurants and hospitality, and to visit Harborough Market. More than 70 per cent of people said they had visited the town for events - especially seasonal events such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween trails, as well as for the street festival Arts Fresco.
They said that they would like to see more events for children, carnivals, markets, late night shopping events, classic car shows, comedy events, street parties, food events, craft and cultural events, and particularly live music. Respondents also said they would be more likely to support independent retailers if they had more online access to their products and services; however many said that they still like to visit shops to browse in person.
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| Other suggestions put forward which people would like to see were pedestrianisation, more shop variety and dining outdoors, more events and entertainment, more chances to shop late, more opportunities to cycle or use e-bikes, less traffic and more for young people. Praise was also given by participants to the colourful Harborough in Bloom flower displays.
Claire Webb, of Harbs Collective, said: "The Harbs Collective is very grateful to the extraordinary number of people who took the time to respond to the survey. The feedback has given us a real boost after a difficult year and fuel for our future schedule of events. We're really pleased 80 per cent of participants have enjoyed our seasonal and festive trails so we will continue to put these on and have looked at ways in which to develop them further. As such we're hoping our first autumn event will be a taste trail in October which will showcase our town's abundance of amazing independent retailers, diverse restaurants and cafes and unique food and drink shops. Half term will see another Halloween based trail for families and in the run up to Christmas we'll be planning 'after hours' shopping events. And while we're enthusiastic to keep our town centre a lively and inviting place, we're also keen to improve the way customers can access our high street online and look forward to working with Harborough District Council on creative web based shopping ideas."
If you have any further suggestions for town and retail centres in the Harborough district please email business@harborough.gov.uk | | |
Energy prices are rising so switch now to save money and help climate |
Did you know that many household energy bills are set to rise next month? The energy price cap, which is the maximum price suppliers can charge customers on a standard variable tariff as set by the energy regulator Ofgem, is rising from the start of October 2021. Many energy suppliers may increase their prices to the maximum limit permitted. If you are on a standard tariff or prepayment meter it is likely your bills will increase, and if you are on a fixed-tariff although you won't be affected now - you should keep an eye on when your deal ends. Take action now!By registering with The Big Community Switch you can benefit from the bargaining power of a large group. After you have registered, an auction is held where suppliers compete for the opportunity to offer you the lowest, sustainable energy tariff. There's no need to compare different tariffs as you'll receive a personalised offer. And what about the switch over? That will be handled for you too. Taking part is free, it's quick & simple to do and there is no obligation to switch. All offers are 100% renewable electricity, so the energy use is sourced from renewable (green) energy sources. Sign up before 12 October 2021 and join hundreds of other happy Harborough district households who are already saving money on their energy bills from previous successful auctions. With energy bills forecast to rise – now's the perfect opportunity to review your spend and take part in the Autumn Big Community Switch. For more information please visit: www.bigcommunityswitch.co.uk/harborough/homeOr telephone 0800 048 8285, Mon - Fri 8am - 5:30pm. | | |
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Flags flying to serve as poignant reminder |
Two very distinctive flags are set to be flown over The Symington Building in Market Harborough over the coming weeks.
On Friday 3 September, the Red Ensign flag will be flown for Merchant Navy Day in recognition of the sacrifices made by merchant seafarers in two world wars, and to celebrate our dependence on modern-day merchant seafarers who are responsible for more than 90% of the UK's imports.
And on Thursday 9 September we will be flying the 999 Emergency Services flag to show our support for the NHS and emergency services, and to honour the memory of more than 7,500 members of the emergency services killed in the line of duty over the past 200 years. |
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Tasty treats on the menu at food fair |
If you fancy something tasty to get your teeth into, there'll be another fantastic food fair on The Square in Market Harborough on Sunday 5 September 2021.
The food fair, organised by Harborough District Council, follows on from similar events which have taken place over the past couple of weeks.
On offer will be a range of stalls selling an aromatic mix of hot takeaway treats, delicious ambient food and fresh tasty delicacies. You can enjoy a meander round the range of stalls, sampling the delights and enjoying the friendly atmosphere of the market town.
Come along and see what's on offer from 10am. You find delicious treats for all! |
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If you're not feeling safe ask for 'Angela' |
Going out out? Planning a date? Make sure you also take some time to consider the venue. Various pubs and bars across Leicestershire and Rutland are taking part in the "Ask for Angela" initiative to help you feel safer while out and about. Staff at participating venues have been trained to recognise the discrete safe word, 'Angela', alerting them to a problem. The member of staff can then offer to call a taxi for you, provide a safe place for you to contact a friend, or help you to leave the venue if you are feeling unsafe due to someone else's actions, words or behaviour. So, if you don't feel safe, if your date isn't who they said they were, or if things just don't feel quite right, go to the bar and ask for 'Angela'. |
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Who does what? Your handy guide to council responsibilities... |
Who collects the bins? Who runs the tip? Who do you contact about cemeteries? See our handy guide to what your local councils are responsible for below. Contact your local MP to: - Tell them about a problem affecting the people in your area
- Ask them to support a particular campaign you feel strongly about
- Query a question by a government office or agency
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Your local county council takes care of:- School placements
- Cutting of highway verges
- Social services
- Street lighting
- Tips
- Highway issues (pot holes etc)
- Trading standards
- Social care
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District councils are responsible for: - Environmental health (food hygiene, noise nuisance, smoke or smells issues, air pollution, etc)
- Bins and litter
- Council Tax
- Benefits
- Planning
- Housing
- Economic development
- District parks and open spaces
- Leisure centres
- Cemeteries (in Market Harborough only)
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Contact your local parish council for: - Parish owned parks and open spaces
- Cemeteries
- Parish halls
- Parish owned sports and recreation grounds
- Bus shelters
Please note: Market Harborough does not have a parish council
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