News and features from Harborough District Council -  August 2024

Community Development Harborough

The RCC (Rural Community Council) and Harborough District Council are working in partnership to help build stronger communities in new developments. On a weekly basis the RCC engage with the residents of Wellington Place by bringing their Barista Style Coffee Van offering FREE drinks to all who attend. 

This is a great opportunity for the residents to get involved to help shape their community and connect them with one another. 

The residents have had a range of queries and many questions about the site, and do not always know who they need to contact. Since the appointment of the RCC a post-box has been installed on Harvest Road. 

There have also been growing concerns regarding the dog bins being full and the residents have been unsure on who to contact regarding this. The RCC has successfully made contact with the management company and since then, they have numbered all the dog bins on site to help identify which bin is over full. More frequent collections have also been initiated to help tackle this issue.  

Since the RCC has been visiting Wellington Place, they have been able to engage with a wide range of people. Not only have they helped residents form groups and connect with their neighbours, working together with the Wellbeing Officers at Harborough District Council Health Walks have also been organised. 

Currently, the RCC is working with the residents to help set up a Residents Association. 

In addition to Wellington Place, the RCC has also been visiting Little Bowden for the past 5 weeks. It is evident that this community will also benefit from community engagement to bring the new community and old community together. 

Wellington Place Engagement session can be found on Harvest Road, near the benches on: 

Tuesday 6 August 2:30pm-4pm

Tuesday 13 August 2:30pm-4pm

Tuesday 20 August 2:30pm-4pm

Tuesday 3 September 2:30pm-4pm

Tuesday 10 September 2:30pm-4pm

Come along and join in to meet new faces and make new friends!

Accelerate your business success

Calling all Harborough District-based businesses in first 12-months of trading

Join the Leicestershire Business Advice Service (LBAS) for their upcoming ‘Managing Money’ workshop, which will be run via Zoom on 13 August 2024.

This workshop, available through the LBAS Accelerate programme, is suitable for any business in Harborough district within its first year of trading.

Don't miss out - sign up now!

Lutterworth and Harborough leisure centres update 

We're excited to see the refurbished gym and spin rooms at Lutterworth which have now re-opened following extensive renovations. New Keiser spin bikes have been installed with other state-of-the-art equipment included in the gym. 

The new soft-play area for under 5s has opened to visitors, along with the refreshed onsite cafe and a brand new well-being hub. 

Over at Harborough leisure centre, the pool re-opens on 5 August with significant upgrades having been made to the environmental footprint of the facility.

The wet-side changing rooms are still being worked on, in accordance with the project schedule, and visitors are encouraged to arrive at the pool, beach ready. Pool sessions with the thrilling new inflatable can be booked online from 10 August. 

Meanwhile, the replacement dome facility is in the process of being constructed. New lighting, new and improved flooring, additional markings for more sports, and new equipment including netball posts and goals will be available to groups who book the facility.

Interest is already gathering at pace with local groups looking to secure regular slots including a potential new futsal league!

Everyone Active is keeping both members and visitors updated on developments via social media channels and via dedicated websites for both Lutterworth Sports Centre and Harborough Leisure Centre 

Water Safety

During warmer weather, the police get an increase of reports of people swimming in open water – often unaware of the dangers that can lead to injury and sadly in some cases, to accidental death.

Even in warm weather, the water is often a lot colder than you expect and sudden immersion can lead to cold water shock. Even the strongest of swimmers can get into difficulty quickly.

Here are the Top Water Safety Tips from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service:

• Don't go into the water if someone else is in trouble – call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if inland or if at the coast ask for the Coast Guard.
• Never drink alcohol and then go for a swim or attempt to jump into water.
• Avoid walking/running near water on your own or late at night – it's easier than you think to slip and fall in.

Float To Live

• Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute – don't try to swim straight away.
• Relax and float on your back to catch your breath.
• Try to get hold of something that will help you float.
• Keep calm, then call for help or swim to safety if you are able.

Grants for Harborough District businesses

Harborough district-based businesses are invited to apply for grants to help them thrive and grow.

Three new grant schemes are available which are designed to provide vital financial support for local organisations in the Harborough district.

Funding of up to £2,000 is available to support projects that align with one of the following themes:

• Go Green: Aimed at helping businesses reduce their carbon footprints, increase energy efficiency, and lower fixed costs.
• Go Digital: Supports the adoption of digital technologies to improve business performance and enhance online customer engagement.
• Go Innovate: Provides funding for new products or methods to improve efficiencies and drive business growth.

To qualify, businesses must have completed the Leicestershire Business Advice Service (LBAS) programme and must include an LBAS action plan in their grant application.

The grants will close on Thursday 31 October 2024, however funds will be allocated on a first come first served basis for those who meet the criteria, so early application is encouraged.

Career support for all 

Are you considering a new job, a career change, or have you just left school or university? Perhaps you're considering returning to work after a long break or would like a voluntary role to gain experience to boost your career.

If you're not sure of your next move and would like some help with reaching your career goals, or even just taking the first step in finding a job, there is plenty of free support available in the Harborough district.

The next Job Club is on Friday 6 September at The Wycliffe Rooms in Lutterworth. Whatever your employment history, if you've never had a job, or whether you are looking for the next challenge in your career, come along and speak to our friendly, professional careers advisors who will listen to you and can provide practical support and advice. You don't need to make an appointment so please come along anytime between 1pm - 3pm

In the meantime, check out exciting opportunities in the Harborough district.  Find local jobs, apprenticeships, training, and support for both employers & job seekers and more!

Becoming Self-Employed

Training and qualifications

Resources and support 

Apprenticeship opportunities

Local jobs

Volunteer roles

If you're a local employer looking for fresh talent for your workforce get in touch today and register your interest for the job fair or other recruitment events in Harborough district.
Email: business@harborough.gov.uk

A Safer Summer in Harborough District

Our Safer Summer campaign seeks to remind people to have respect and tolerance.  

We know that the warmer weather will see increase complaints about loud music and antisocial behaviour from public open spaces and private gardens, we ask that you are considerate to neighbours when having gatherings and for others to be tolerant to people holding one off events. 

We ask that people using parks think about those who will be using the parks after them and take rubbish home or put it in the bins provided.

We want you to keep safe whilst enjoying yourselves.  If you are having a BBQ make sure you extinguish it properly. If by open water consider how to enjoy open water swimming safely and avoid cold water shock. We’re here to give advice on how to protect your home and property from thieves.

Finally, if enjoying a night out with friends, we want you to think about how to get home safely and know your alcohol limits.

If you have concerns about anti-social behaviour you can report these via our website where you can also find advice, or online to the police.

If you need police attendance, call 101 at the time it is happening or 999 in an emergency.  

Our campaign includes radio adverts on Harborough FM & Cross Counties Radio, daily social media posts with additional information signposted to websites.

We want all our residents to have a great, safe and enjoyable summer and will be out and about in the district to answer any questions and provide advice.

Our community safety vehicle will be visiting the following venues this August:

7 August: Broughton Astley Village Hall from 10.30am - 3pm

15 August: Café 55 on Grange Road Thurnby from 10.30am - 3pm

16 August: Fleckney Village hall from 10.30am - 3pm

Towards end of  August we will also be at Morrisons in Lutterworth and at Medbourne Village Hall with dates to be confirmed.

Electrification of Railway

The electrification of the railway through our district went live at the end of July, so we are teaming up with Network Rail to raise awareness with the public on the dangers of trespassing on the track.

As well as sharing messages on social media we will be taking the community safety vehicle to Kibworth on 13 August at School Lane carpark from 10.30am - 3pm and will be planning to go to Great Bowden in the near future.

We will be distributing safety packs to secondary age young people and parents and will be accompanied by a representative from Network Rail.

Great Glen Village Hall 

Perhaps one of the most exciting things happening in Great Glen now is the “Save the Village Hall” campaign.   The Hall itself was built by Charles Packe and gifted to the Parish by him in 1899, on part of the allotment site, for the sole benefit of residents of Great Glen.  

Throughout the years the Hall has faced many challenges and changes but it came through them all and it became the central venue in the Village for many organisations for all ages.  It was the venue for fairs and films and was well attended by young and old alike.  Covid put an end to all the activity and a plan to demolish the Hall resulted in its closure.  

The Hall never reopened and issues developed with the heating system and leaks to the roof at the rear of the building.  Just as the Trustees were about to close the Charity once and for all, a few residents rallied and a campaign to “Save Great Glen Village Hall” was mounted with the aim of securing S106 money for a refit of the building.  A new set of 14 Trustees was appointed at a packed AGM in October 2023 and they planned for the future to progress a project for the renovation of the existing Hall. 

There was a challenge for the Trustees to assess whether the Hall could be a viable proposition in the future, and to identify sources of funding for the renovation.  What was clear from the first Open Day was the amount of local support there was for preserving this asset for the Village and 1,800 signatures on a petition to save the building in October 2023.

After weeks of working with Halls Together of the Rural Community Council the Trustees were able to write a series of policies and practices which would allow the Hall to be opened.  This was followed by some week of graft and grind to get the place cleaned and ceilings and roofs repaired.  If it was not for the generosity of the many local tradespeople and Davidsons Homes, who gave of their time and resources to ensure that it was fit for a second Open Day earlier this year, when our “bring a mug” appeal brought in over 150 mugs for our cupboards.  

This also showcased our plans drawn up by a local architect. While information is shared on Facebook we are developing our website and looking to set up a regular newsletter to each house to make people aware of the current activities.  Our recent National Lottery Community Grant has enabled us to replace aging chairs and tables and we have the promise of new curtains when we complete our refurbishment, thanks to a generous resident.

The Hall reopened on 1 May 2024 and very quickly attracted a number of classes from fitness to Indian Dance, yoga to Irish dancing.  Many of these classes are oversubscribed and additional sessions have had to be planned.  There have been a number of birthday parties, the NHS are using the facilities.  Mendhi parties, family events and the U3A are also using the Hall and demand increases daily.  

A recent spectacular craft even with over 50 exhibits raised over £1,000 for Village Hall funds as well as attracting well over 200 visitors.  The Village Hall has also been selected by the Yews as their chosen charity.  A live music Charity event and a Comedy night are planned for later in the year. 

The Trustees are submitting an application for S106 money to refit the Hall to preserve it, whilst at the same time bringing the facility in line with current requirements and future proofing for the Community.

Written by Bill Glasper from Great Glen Village Hall Committee

Great Glen Village Hall. Image by Bill Glasper 

Tilton on the Hill consultation now open

The High Leicestershire Neighbourhood Plan is running from 24 July 2024 to 4 Septemeber 2024.

Notice is given that High Leicestershire Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted by Tilton on the Hill Parish Council (as the qualifying body) to Harborough District Council for examination.

Flood Warden 

Following on from a successful Flood Warden Engagement event last September, the Local Resilience Forum is already planning this year’s event.

This will take place on Saturday 14 September 2024, at Leicestershire County Council, County Hall, Leicester Road, Glenfield, LE3 8RA from 11am to 3pm.

The event is aimed at current Flood Wardens and anyone who is interested in becoming a Flood Warden in the near future.

The role of a Flood Warden is to provide advice, support and information to local residents and business before, during and after flood events.

If you want to find out more, do come along. There are a number of guest speakers lined up, including the Environment Agency, the Lead Local Flood Authority (Leicestershire County Council), Leicestershire Fire and Rescue, the Resilience Partnership and others.

Well-being garden supports local Community Fridge project 

The Well-being garden at Harborough leisure centre is thriving! Since its installation by Everyone Active and friends in April this year, the garden has been tended to by a number of volunteers and the results are paying off.

Carrots, cucumbers and lettuces are among the range of vegetables which have been harvested and taken to the Community Fridge at The Village.

The Community Fridge is a volunteer-led project, at The Village in Market Harborough, which enables residents to share or take food, including surplus from supermarkets, local food businesses, producers, households and gardens. It can be accessed 9am - 4pm Tuesday to Saturday and until 8pm on Thursdays.

People are welcome to use it, to donate or/and to take from it to reduce food waste and support our community.

If you'd like to get involved with the Well-being garden at Harborough leisure centre. Please drop them a line or speak to reception staff. 

Love Harborough parks 

We enjoyed seeing your images from Love Parks week! Thank you for sharing them with us. 

Take a look at our short video to see some beautiful parks and open spaces across the Harborough district.

Find parks and open spaces, play areas and allotments in the district on our interactive maps. Read about Welland park, its on-site facilities and available activities for visitors. Find out more about the Public space protection order. Report a problem with a tree on park or open space.

Dates for your diary 

• 7 August: Community Safety Partnership vehicle at Broughton Astley Village Hall: 10.30am - 3pm

• 15 August: Community Safety Partnership vehicle at Café 55 on Grange Road Thurnby:10.30am - 3pm

• 16 August: Community Safety Partnership vehicle at Fleckney Village hall:10.30am - 3pm

• 24/25 August: Market Harborough Food and Drink Fayre at Welland Park 

• 31 August: Artisan Fair on The Square in Market Harborough

• 5 September: Farmers Market on The Square in Market Harborough

• 6-15 September: Heritage Open Days across the Harborough District

• 14 September: Flood Warden Engagement event at Leicestershire County Hall, Glenfield