News

Plans for private security patrols in Market Harborough town centre have been shelved after a new police patrol scheme was agreed. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews had been considering using private security wardens to help tackle shoplifting and antisocial behaviour. Instead, Leicestershire Police will receive extra funding to provide dedicated foot patrols by police […]

Independent traders in Market Harborough have criticised Harborough District Council after it emerged Sports Direct was given a year’s free rent on its town-centre premises. The retail giant opened in the town last November after signing a ten-year lease on the unit vacated when Poundland closed, but details of the deal have only now come […]

A hotel near Market Harborough is set to reopen later today after being taken over by a new owner. The former Premier Inn off the A6 at West Langton has been bought by Queensway Inns, which has also purchased the adjoining Langton Inn pub. Staff have been offered the chance to transfer to the new […]

The Prime Minister has agreed to meet residents and campaigners opposed to plans to expand Leicester’s boundaries into parts of Leicestershire. The pledge from Andy Burnham came after South Leicestershire Conservative MP Alberto Costa raised the issue in the House of Commons and called for him to meet people affected by the proposals. The government […]

A motorcyclist has been injured following a crash in Market Harborough last night. Emergency services were called to Welland Park Road just after 8.15pm. Leicestershire Police say no other vehicles were involved and the rider’s injuries are not thought to be serious. The road was closed for more than three hours while the incident was […]

North Northamptonshire Council has apologised for significant delays caused by roadworks on the B576 Desborough Road in Rothwell. Temporary traffic lights caused traffic chaos yesterday morning, with drivers reporting the short journey between Desborough and Rothwell taking more than an hour. The delays have caused problems for people travelling to work, school and medical appointments. […]

Planning permission has been granted for a new multi-million-pound council depot near Great Bowden. The larger facility will be built on part of the existing base used by Harborough District Council’s waste contractor on Welham Lane, next to the A6. The scheme is expected to cost around £3.5 million, and councillors unanimously approved the application […]

Plans to redevelop a former Working Men’s Club in Kibworth Beauchamp into nine flats have been rejected. The proposal for the building on Fleckney Road was recommended for approval by Harborough District Council planning officers, but councillors went against that advice at a meeting last night. They raised concerns about the standard of design, as […]

Two music loving work colleagues from Market Harborough are celebrating after becoming champions on BBC One music quiz The Hit List. Olly Jelley and Laura Payne won more than £8,000 after putting in a great performance on Saturday’s show, hosted by married couple Rochelle and Marvin Humes. The pair, who work together at Market Harborough […]

A former Gartree prison officer is beginning a six-year prison sentence after being paid more than £12,000 to smuggle drugs and mobile phones to inmates. James Speirs pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office, two counts of conspiracy to supply cannabis and two counts of conspiracy to bring prohibited articles into and out of […]