Public to help shape district’s sport and leisure vision

Harborough District Council is launching an eight-week consultation to gather views on proposals for new and improved leisure facilities as it looks to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity.

Cllr Blake Pain, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “This is a unique opportunity for people to have a direct influence on how sports and leisure facilities improve. No-one knows better what is needed locally than the residents who use – or more importantly currently don’t use – the existing leisure facilities. They are the experts and we want to hear from them so their views can shape what is delivered.”

Feedback from the survey, will help inform the council’s new Active Harborough Strategy which aims to create accessible, sustainable sport and leisure opportunities across the district to encourage participation, improve health and enhance quality of life across all ages. 

Cllr Michael Rickman, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for well-being and localities, said: “The importance of a healthy lifestyle is well documented and, with this in mind, we are committed to helping more people get physically active but in the way they want to. The more we know about what people want in terms of local activities and sports and leisure facilities the stronger position we’ll be in to make that a reality.”

The public are encouraged to have their say on proposals for a new leisure centre in Market Harborough – replacing the existing building – and a refurbishment of Lutterworth Sports Centre.

Cllr Phil King, Harborough District Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance and assets, said: “Sport and leisure is increasingly important in the modern age and we need facilities which reflect that. The ageing leisure centre in Market Harborough is no longer fit for purpose, and the Lutterworth Sports Centre needs modifications to ensure it meets the needs of its users.”

People can share their thoughts at www.harborough.gov.uk/active  from Wednesday 21 June 2017 before the consultation closing date of 15 August 2017.