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News and Features from Harborough District Council - August 2021
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Councillor Phil King
Leader of Harborough District Council
 
Our Olympians are proving a great inspiration to us all
It's fair to say summer is officially here; the Olympics is well underway and, so far, it's going swimmingly for Team GB who have racked up a number of medals.

It's fantastic to see our competitors doing so well, including some from our district. Good luck to them and the whole of Team GB over the coming week.

If any local people are feeling inspired by what they see during the Olympics we can assist in a number of ways so get in touch. We have lots of sports and physical activity sessions across the district which people, of all ages, can take part in. If there's something you'd like to try, but haven't had the opportunity, contact us or your local leisure centre. 

The Safer Summer campaign has also been launched to ensure people protect their property and belongings and think about water and fire safety, as well as alcohol limits and having respect and tolerance for those around you. The latter is particularly important as we all take the next cautious steps since the easing of the coronavirus restrictions.

So my message for summer is enjoy it, stay safe, and if you're inspired by Team GB, have the confidence to follow their lead; you may just be the Olympic medallists of the future.

Cllr Phil King
 
How can we get best out of town centre?
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You still have time to have your say as part of a survey asking local shoppers about the way that they shop and engage with local businesses.

The survey, put together by the Council and retailers group Harbs Collective, is designed to help understand what shoppers would like to get out of the town centre. More specifically, the shopping experience, services, and events that Harbs Collective provides throughout the year.

Your response will also help Harbs Collective continue to serve the community in a unique way, for young and older shoppers, and cater for visitors to the town.

Have your say at www.tinyurl.com/YourTownCentre or alternatively you can complete a physical copy of the survey in independent shops, cafes, and restaurants in Market Harborough.
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Enjoy summer responsibly urges campaign - and be mindful of others 
 
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It's been a very warm few weeks, with many taking advantage of the good weather to meet up with friends, but a new campaign is urging people to be safe and sensible during the summer period - and to be aware of security.

The Safer Summer campaign – a Countywide initiative that takes place over the summer months, involving Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Police, Harborough District Council, and other key agencies – provides advice on enjoying the summer safely and having respect and tolerance.

Whilst the warmer weather, and lifting of coronavirus restrictions, is likely to result in an increase in complaints about loud music and anti-social behaviour, the Safer Summer 2021 campaign calls for consideration of neighbours, and tolerance if people are holding one-off events.

It also urges people to think about those using parks and green spaces after them, and to take rubbish home or dispose of in the bins provided.

Please remember:
  • Keep noise levels to a minimum and respect those around you
  • Extinguish barbecues after use
  • Keep your house and belongings secure when away from home
  • If by open water consider how to enjoy open water swimming safely
  • If enjoying a night out with friends, think about how to get home safely and know your limits
Look out for the hashtag #SaferSummer on social media.

To report anti-social behaviour within the Harborough district call Leicestershire Police on 101, or contact your neighbourhood police team or the Community Safety Team by emailing communitysafety@harborough.gov.uk  
 
Safer Street funding is helping make homes more secure in Lutterworth
 
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If you live in Lutterworth, an opportunity has arisen to help make your home more secure.

Making it difficult for criminals to commit burglary, robbery or vehicle theft is a priority, and residents in Lutterworth town centre area have received a mailout from the Harborough District Community Safety Partnership and the Police and Crime Commissioner offering free security upgrades through the Government's Safer Streets fund.

These can include high security door locks, window locks, door alarms, and window alert alarms.

All properties shown within the area highlighted on the map are eligible.

An official launch of the wider scheme will happen in August, but residents are being urged to call and book their appointments now as this is a time limited offer. 

Please contact communitysafety@harborough.gov.uk if you have any concerns or questions about the scheme.
 
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Colourful tourism guide published to attract more visitors to district
 
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Pictured: Cllr Phil King with the Visit Harborough District guides, available across the district 
 
 
A vibrant new tourism guide has been published to boost the number of visitors to the Harborough district.

Harborough District Council has produced the eye-catching Visit Harborough leaflet, which will be available from outlets across the district and beyond, to highlight what people can see and do locally.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the tourism and hospitality sector hard, with restrictions on the sector affecting businesses since March 2020. The impact of this can be seen in new data which shows visitor numbers to the Harborough district have dropped by 62% from 2019 to the end of 2020.

This new guide aims to significantly aid the recovery of the sector, by promoting the district to people far and wide. It will be distributed at attractions, accommodation providers, cafes, and other locations within the district, as well as surrounding counties and further afield.

Cllr Phil King (pictured), Leader of Harborough District Council, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to showcase what this fantastic district has to offer; and will hopefully provide a much-needed boost to the tourism sector which has suffered greatly over the past 15 months. We have so much to offer in this district and we want people to come and see for themselves."
 
The guide highlights the history and heritage of the district, along with family attractions, adventures, food and drink, culture and events, and accommodation. It will encourage people to look at the Visit Harborough website to find out more and to book their minibreak to the district.

Harborough district is centrally located, which means it is easy to reach from many areas across the UK. As more people look to travel in the UK this summer rather than abroad, it is hoped this can help inspire holidaymakers to visit the district this year, and in future years too. 

View the new guide can be viewed online at www.visitharborough.com

You can also follow Visit Harborough on Facebook at @VisitHarborough, on Instagram at @VisitHarboroughDistrict and on Twitter at @HarboroughVisit.
 
Why there's a real buzz about our new wildflower space at popular park
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You can take a walk on the wild side at the local park thanks to a stunning display of wildflowers which is creating a real buzz.

Our wildflower area, at Welland Park in Market Harborough, has been cultivated over the past few months, with 25 species of wildflowers, and is proving very popular with visitors to the park.

As part of our ongoing vision for the park, and our open space, we have been looking at how we can increase biodiversity to attract more birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects and pollinators.

In previous years, some of the park flower beds were only planted up in the summer, with annual bedding, which is not as beneficial for insects and wildlife.

To help nurture biodiversity in the park, we have altered the planting in the beds to formal flowers with specimen shrubs on the Welland Park Road entrance, and will be creating a mixed perennial and shrub beds later in the year along the tennis courts. the formal flower beds – near to the café area – are now a wildflower area with blossom trees planted in it.

The work is ongoing and we will still have some annual bedding, but this will be reduced to allow for the longer flowering perennials and shrubs to offer more habitat for birds and insects.

This will also assist with a reduction in watering, once the plants are established, therefore also benefiting the environment.

We hope that we can, once again, achieve Green Flag Award status which recognises parks that are setting the benchmark standard.

We'd like to thank everyone involved and residents for their positive comments regarding the project.  
  
Why not take the time to visit our wildlife area at Welland Park today, and let us know what you think?
 
Appointment only service continues for our customer services team 
 
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We are continuing with our appointment service introduced last year to replace our 'drop-in' customer service. 

Our appointment service has been successful by helping customers avoid long waiting times and ensures that any required information / ID is brought to their appointment and therefore avoiding return trips.

Also, at the point of booking your appointment, if you need additional support such as interpretation or translation services, these can be arranged in advance.
 
Appointments are currently offered on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10am and 12noon and between 1pm and 4pm. These will be increased as necessary in conjunction with the demand. 
 
Appointments can be made online at www.harborough.gov.uk/f2fappointment or by calling 01858 828282 during opening hours

Requests for appointments will be 'triaged' to see if the enquiry could be resolved at the point of request. 
Payments only for services will not be taken through the appointment service; these should be completed online, by telephone or through the post office, PayZone or direct debit if this is available. 
 
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen a change in how our customers access our services – with many preferring to use email. If you do use email to contact the Council, or you have a general enquiry, you may want to try our new general enquiry form. 

Find out more by visiting our website and selecting 'General Enquiry' found under the heading 'Services'.
 
Make sure you respond so you don't lose your vote in future elections 
 
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Every year, we check the electoral register is up to date so that everyone who has the right to vote in elections can have their say.

Many of you have already responded online in response to our email. For those of you who haven't, you'll be sent a form in the post asking you to check your details. Please respond by Monday 2 August 2021.

Read more at www.harborough.gov.uk/canvass 
 
Chairman joins volunteer litter picking event in popular town park
 
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The Chairman of Harborough District Council, Cllr Stephen Bilbie, was delighted to be able to join members of Sustainable Harborough Community for their litter pick along the River Welland at Welland Park in Market Harborough last Sunday.
 
The Chairman was given the opportunity to speak to all the volunteers and to launch the litter picking event on the behalf of Harborough District Council. 

Cllr Bilbie said: "I am really happy to attend, on behalf of the Council, to show support for the great work and commitment they put in to looking after the environment and helping to keep Market Harborough clean and tidy." 
 
Work to help Armed Forces community reaps prestigious MOD award
 
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Harborough District Council has successfully secured the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.

The awards are presented by the Ministry of Defence to organisations and businesses that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.

The Council's Silver award builds on the Bronze accreditation it received in 2019. 

Since signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant back in 2014, the Council has made it a priority to support the Armed Forces community.

We've promoted the Armed Forces Covenant within our organisation and hosted events to encourage others to sign up.

Our Armed Forces Champion Cllr Rani Mahal (pictured) said: "I'm incredibly proud that we've received the Silver award accreditation from the Ministry of Defence. I'd encourage other organisations and local businesses, large and small, to pledge their support to our Armed Forces. Meanwhile, we will continue to build on these achievements as we look forward to the advent of the Covenant being enshrined in law as part of the Armed Forces Bill currently making its way through Parliament."
 
Two chances to have a say on rural issues
People are being urged to take part in TWO consultations - one on mobile network coverage in rural areas & another for young people on land use policies.
 
The Government is looking to increase mobile network coverage across the UK to 95%. With this in mind the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is researching the impact of mobile coverage in RURAL areas and wants people's views. Have your say here.
 
The National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs wants to hear from young people living, studying or working in the countryside; and any young person who would like to live or work in a rural area. People can complete their survey here.
 
Homes across district to get heating boost 
Some of the least energy-efficient homes in the Harborough district are set to benefit from a new initiative. 

We have identified around 70 properties in the district to be more energy efficient, and will be working with the Platform Housing Group, after receiving Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme from the Government totalling nearly £480,000.

As well as solar panels for hot water, homes will be insulated, and windows and doors upgraded.
Houses are set to benefit in Lubenham, Walcote, Walton by Kimcote, Swinford, Husbands Bosworth, Market Harborough, Tilton on the Hill and Great Easton.
 
Local groups share thoughts on climate
Voluntary and community environmental groups from across the district were recently invited to a virtual workshop to share their ideas about how the Council can reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

They also discussed how we can support residents, businesses and communities to reduce their emissions. A wide range of suggestions and innovative ideas were put forward during the evening workshop.
 
The eight-week consultation on the Action Plan closed on 30 July. All responses will be used to improve the Climate Emergency Action Plan for Harborough District Council. The Council expects to publish an adopted plan in the autumn.
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