MP Hails ‘Tree-mendous’ End to Harborough Hole Saga

A new tree has been planted in Market Harborough town centre, bringing an end to the long-running saga of the so-called “Harborough Hole”.

The patch of bare ground near The Square had been left empty for years after a previous tree was felled and not replaced, prompting a campaign for action.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien, who first called for action to address the issue several years ago, has now welcomed the planting – joking that it is a “tree-mendous” result.

He had previously dubbed the empty spot the “Harborough Hole” and pledged to see it restored.

Neil beside the ‘Harborough Hole’ and the newly planted tree

Mr O’Brien said: “For some reason this problem had the council stumped – it really tied them in knots. This patch of earth sat empty for years, and the Harborough Hole didn’t leaf a good impression. Residents were pining for a change.

“Some people said I was barking up the wrong tree, but I’m pleased to say we’ve finally got to the root of the problem. The council has finally twigged that something needed to change – and this is a tree-mendous result.”

Harborough District Council leader Phil Knowles also welcomed the development, thanking Leicestershire County Council for planting the replacement.

He said: “Finally, and to end on a more light-hearted note, I am really pleased to see that the ‘Harborough Hole’ in the town centre – outside Mountain Warehouse as it was dubbed by our MP – has now been filled with a new tree. My thanks to Leicestershire County Council for finally getting round to this and long may it now last and grow.”