Residents Overwhelmingly Back New Town Council Plan

Residents in Market Harborough have voted overwhelmingly in favour of plans for a new town council.

In a poll held yesterday, 4,243 people voted in favour, compared to 685 against, with 86% supporting the proposal and a turnout of 24%.

Supporters say the new council would strengthen local representation amid wider local government changes, and the result will now feed into ongoing consultation by Harborough District Council.

Market Harborough is one of the few towns of its size without a parish council, meaning the district council currently provides services such as parks, play areas, cemeteries and bus shelters.

The vote follows a petition submitted in November 2025, signed by more than 1,800 people, which triggered a Community Governance Review.

A previous consultation also saw strong support, with 84 per cent in favour of creating a parish or town council.