Council news - Communication and news - Charnwood Borough Council

This section contains our latest press releases as well as links to our press release archive.

You can also keep up to date with our news on Twitter and Facebook

For media inquiries, please contact the council communications team on 01509 634705 or 01509 634681 email communications@charnwood.gov.uk.

The communications team includes Mike Roberts, communications manager, Stacey Comery, senior communications officer, Lewis Harbon, communications officer (PR and social media) and Daley Francis, communications officer (website and publications).

June 2022

Photo shows the Charnwood Symphonic Wind Orchestra performing in the bandstand at Queen's Park in Loughborough on Father’s Day, Sunday June 19, 2022.

Bandstand concerts return to Queen’s Park

20th Jun

Throughout the summer months, Queen’s Park in Loughborough will host a variety of exciting concerts for residents and visitors to attend. The concerts have not been able to take place over the past couple of years due to the coronavirus pandemic,..

Loughborough prepares to celebrate Armed Forces Day

20th Jun

Armed Forces Day celebrations are planned in Loughborough to show appreciation for the armed forces community. Charnwood Borough Council will be marking Armed Forces Day 2022 on Saturday June 25 with a small event in Loughborough Market Place. The..

Photos shows the winner of the Harry Cook Award, Nayankumar Patel, being presented the award by Loughborough in Bloom chair Pat Cook at the Charnwood Community Heroes event on Saturday June 18, 2022.

Charnwood celebrates its community heroes

20th Jun

Individuals, community groups and businesses have been honoured at an event that showcased this year’s Charnwood Community Heroes. Charnwood Borough Council celebrated the positive contributions made by people and organisations in the borough..

Students encouraged to ‘Choose to Reuse’ ahead of summer break

17th Jun

Students in Loughborough preparing to move out of their term-time homes are being encouraged to ‘Choose to Reuse’ before they leave town for the summer. Charnwood Borough Council has been working with Loughborough University, private landlords..

New email checks for electoral register in Charnwood

15th Jun

Residents in Charnwood are being asked to look out for an email as part of an annual check of voter details. Every year, Charnwood Borough Council sends a letter to all households to check voters’ details are correct on the register. For the first..

Public hearings to be held as part of Local Plan examination process

14th Jun

A series of public hearings will be held as part of the scrutiny process for Charnwood Borough Council’s Local Plan which sets out a vision for growth in the area. The sessions will be held at Loughborough Town Hall starting on Tuesday, June..

The image shows a person holding the Baton and the words Loughborough welcomes the Birmingham Queen's Baton relay

One month until the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay visits Loughborough

13th Jun

Residents in Charnwood are being urged to show their support for the Commonwealth Games when the Queen’s Baton Relay visits Loughborough in July. Charnwood Borough Council is planning an afternoon of fun activities and celebrations on Monday, July..

Cllr Ken Pacey has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Jubilee Birthday Honours for his services to Local Government.

Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours delight for local councillor

10th Jun

A former Mayor of Charnwood and serving councillor has been recognised in the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours list for his services to local government. Cllr Ken Pacey, a Councillor for Charnwood Borough Council and Syston Town Council has been..

Cllr Jonathan Morgan speaking about the Town Deal funding for the Generator project

Video: Loughborough Town Deal confirms funding for the Generator project

7th Jun

Loughborough Town Deal has confirmed £1.6 million of funding for the Generator project. The funding will bring a derelict hall in Packe Street back into use as an arts and culture hub. It is one of 11 projects Loughborough Town Deal is backing after..

Pictured are Dr Jill Vincent, from the Generator project, Cllr Jonathan Morgan and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Loughborough Town Deal co-chairs, and Andy Harper and Roger Perrett, from the Generator project.

Loughborough Town Deal confirms £1.6m grant for arts and culture hub

7th Jun

Plans for an arts and culture hub in the heart of Loughborough have received a £1.6 million boost from Loughborough Town Deal. The Town Deal Board has confirmed the funding to support the Generator project which will bring a derelict hall in Packe..

Residents in Charnwood held their own litter picks

Residents help keep Charnwood tidy during Great British Spring Clean

7th Jun

Residents and groups across Charnwood took part in scores of litter picks supported by the borough council’s spring clean giveaway. The Council gave away 300 litter picking packs to individuals and organisations so they could take part in Keep..

Beacon Lighting in Queen's Park, Loughborough

Charnwood celebrates Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

6th Jun

Residents in Charnwood celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a number of events across the borough. There were scores of street parties and celebrations over the bank holiday including the lighting of the beacon in Queen’s..

The Big Lunch in Queen’s Park cancelled

5th Jun

Unfortunately The Big Lunch event which was planned to be held in Queen’s Park today (Sunday June 5) to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee has sadly been cancelled due to heavy rain and a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms. Charnwood..

May 2022

Startups invited to apply for one of 20 places on Loughborough-based business accelerator

30th May

The following press release was first issued by Loughborough University. LU inc. has opened up 20 places for startups on its Autumn business accelerator. The Charnwood-based incubator is inviting entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses to apply for..

Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Loughborough’s Queen’s Park

27th May

Please note that due to heavy rain and a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, The Big Lunch which was due to take place on Sunday June 5 has unfortunately been cancelled. More details can be found in this news story. Residents are invited to..

Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, Cllr Jonathan Morgan.

Viewpoint: Call for projects to come forward for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

27th May

The Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, Cllr Jonathan Morgan, talks in his latest Viewpoint video update about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and how the Council is calling for projects to come forward. He also talks about how it is one of several..

The image shows an outline of the borough and the wording Future Charnwood Investment Plan

Projects sought to build pride and create opportunities for communities

25th May

Charnwood Borough Council is appealing for projects to come forward to bid for a slice of a £4 million fund which aims to help the area level-up. The Council has been allocated the money under the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and..

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson has been voted in as Mayor of Charnwood and will be support by her consort, husband Mr John Tillotson

Proud moment for new Mayor of Charnwood

24th May

The new Mayor of Charnwood says she is proud to represent the borough after being sworn in at a Council meeting. Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, was voted in as the borough‘s first citizen at the Council’s Annual Meeting on Monday May 23. Cllr Tillotson..

Statement on Loughborough Cemetery vandalism

24th May

We have issued the below statement following recent vandalism of memorial benches at Loughborough Cemetery. We are aware that a number of memorial benches at Loughborough Cemetery which have been dedicated in memory of loved ones have been..

£6.3 million in council tax energy rebates distributed to Charnwood households

23rd May

Households in Charnwood have started to receive the £150 council tax rebate to help with energy bills. The Government announced a £150 council tax rebate payment to households in council tax bands A-D to help with rising energy bills. The Council..

Loughborough’s Careers and Enterprise Hub marks first anniversary

20th May

The Careers and Enterprise Hub in the heart of Loughborough is celebrating its first anniversary. The Hub, which is run by specialist advisors from Loughborough College and Loughborough University, officially opened on May 20 last year thanks to a..

Loughborough resident Stephen Hutchins has been selected to light the beacon

Video: Loughborough resident chosen to light the Beacon for Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

18th May

Charnwood Borough Council has been searching for a resident who was born in 1952 – the year of the Queen’s accession to the throne – to join the Mayor of Charnwood in a lighting of a beacon ceremony in Queen’s Park in Loughborough on June..

The vegan market was held in Loughborough on Sunday May 15

Vegan Market held in Loughborough proved to be a huge success

16th May

Scores of people packed a vegan market which visited Loughborough town centre on Sunday, May 15. The event, run by Vegan Market Co. in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council, had over 30 stalls which included vegan street food, craft cheeses,..

Picture shows Cllr Jenni Tillotson and Loughborough resident Stephen Hutchins in front of the beacon at Queen's Park, Loughborough

Winner chosen to light the Beacon for the Platinum Jubilee

16th May

A winner has been chosen in a competition to find a local resident to play an important role in Charnwood’s celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Charnwood Borough Council has been searching for a resident who was born in..

Councils to consider approach over housing and employment distribution

13th May

This press release has been issued on behalf of Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Melton Borough Council,..

From left, Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Loughorough Town Deal co-chair and Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, Phil Mulligan, Regional Director for the Canal & River Trust, Jane Hunt, MP for Loughborough and Town Deal Board Member, and Alan Leather, from the Canal & River Trust

Loughborough Town Deal support makes a splash with £885,000 grant for River Soar towpath improvements

13th May

Plans to make the River Soar towpath more attractive for walkers and cyclists is being backed by Loughborough Town Deal. The Town Deal Board has confirmed an £885,000 grant to support the project by the Canal & River Trust which wants to upgrade..

Watch the video below to hear about the launch of the new heritage guide.

Video: Discover Charnwood Heritage Guide launched

12th May

A guide to showcase Charnwood’s fascinating heritage has been launched to help boost the tourism economy. The Discover Charnwood Heritage Guide, produced by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Loughborough Heritage Forum and..

Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with The Big Lunch

12th May

Residents are invited to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Loughborough’s Queen’s Park on Sunday June 5. Charnwood Borough Council will host ‘The Big Lunch’ picnic from midday until 4pm, which is an afternoon of..

Youtube vid for Town Deal - Lboro College

Video: Loughborough Town Deal confirms £2.6 million funding for Digital Skills Hub

11th May

A hub to help equip local people with digital skills for the future has received a £2.6 million boost from Loughborough Town Deal. The Town Deal has confirmed the funding to create the Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College which will also work..

Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay confirmed to visit Loughborough

10th May

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is confirmed to visit Loughborough during its final journey through England this summer, as the full route is revealed. Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which..

Pictured left to right are: Chrissie Van Mierlo, Museum Director, Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, Martin Peters, CEO of Leicestershire Promotions, Cllr Shona Rattray, Council's lead member for business support, Janine Williams, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Marketing of Leicestershire Promotions, Jill Vincent, Loughborough Heritage Forum and Lynne Dyer, Lynne about Loughborough.

Heritage guide launched to showcase Charnwood

10th May

Solar panels being fitted to the roof of a house

Solar Together scheme launches in district

9th May

Save on energy bills and help cut carbon emissions by investing in solar panels through an exciting new group-buying energy scheme. Solar Together Leicestershire helps people looking to make an investment in solar panels on their house and battery..

Pictured are Cllr Jonathan Morgan and Dr Nik Kotecha, co-chairs of Loughborough Town Deal Board, and Jo Maher, Principal and CEO of Loughborough College

£2.6 million Loughborough Town Deal investment confirmed to boost digital skills for local people

6th May

Hanging basket competition to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Search is on for best hanging basket to mark Platinum Jubilee

6th May

A competition has been launched to find the best hanging basket in Charnwood in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Council’s open spaces partner idverde and Loughborough in Bloom are inviting residents across the borough..

Picture shows: Mike Walker, Soaring Dragons club captain and Mike Bushell, Soaring Dragons head coach.

Dragons roar as they join Charnwood Community Lottery

5th May

A dragon boat racing club is one of the newest causes being supported by Charnwood Community Lottery. Soaring Dragons, based in Loughborough, have joined lottery to help buy essential equipment as the popular club continues to expand. It means there..

Image of Her Majesty The Queen for the Platinum Jubilee.

Share your stories for Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee

3rd May

People of all ages are being asked to share their royal stories as Charnwood prepares to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Charnwood Borough Council would like to share stories and photos from residents who may have met the Queen,..

April 2022

Council tax energy rebate payments due to start in Charnwood

29th Apr

Council tax rebates to help with energy bills will start to be paid to Charnwood residents who pay by Direct Debit next week. The Government announced a £150 council tax rebate payment to households in council tax bands A-D to help with rising..

£1m investment for leisure centres as new contract confirmed

28th Apr

Charnwood Borough Council’s three leisure centres will receive a £1m investment following the signing of a new contract with long-term partner Fusion Lifestyle. The Council and Fusion Lifestyle have worked together since October 2011 and the..

Roads to reopen as town centre regeneration scheme hits milestone

27th Apr

A regeneration project in Loughborough town centre has reached a major milestone as a significant phase of the scheme is completed. The Bedford Square Gateway Project is regenerating Ward’s End, Devonshire Square and Bedford Square to make it more..

Vegan market coming to Loughborough on Sunday May 15.

Vegan Market to visit Loughborough

26th Apr

Loughborough will welcome a vegan market to the town for the first time on Sunday May 15 after being postponed in February due to high winds. The event which is being run by Vegan Market Co. in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council will bring..

Explore stunning bluebells at the Outwoods

25th Apr

Local residents and visitors to Charnwood are being encouraged to take a short walk to the Outwoods in Loughborough to see the beautiful annual display of bluebells. Charnwood Borough Council’s ranger service is hosting a guided bluebell walk at..

Three-storey laboratory officially opens after revamp creates base for more than 150 scientists

25th Apr

The following press release was issued by the Leicester and Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership Ltd (LLEP). Charnwood Molecular and Charnwood Campus have unveiled lab space which will accelerate the clinical research organisation’s growth..

The image shows a screengrab of the video with Cllr Morgan at the new cemetery in Louughborough

Leader's Viewpoint: Great news as cemetery nears completion

25th Apr

In this month's Leader's Viewpoint video, Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, talks about the Council's investment to create a new cemetery for Loughborough.

Picture of the ceramic market in Loughborough

Ceramics market returning to Loughborough town centre in May

21st Apr

An ever-popular ceramics market will be returning to Loughborough town centre next month. Ceramics in Charnwood will be in the Market Place on Sunday May 8, 2022 and will be running from 10am until 4pm. It is the 12th year the market will be..

A promotional image for the Wards End boost for businesses.

Vouchers on offer at independent local shops

21st Apr

Shoppers in Loughborough can support local businesses and receive vouchers to spend thanks to a scheme being run by Love Loughborough and Charnwood Borough Council. The Ward’s End Quarter High Street Boost scheme is aiming to encourage shoppers to..

Three month closure secured on Mountsorrel flat

14th Apr

A council flat in Mountsorrel has been ordered to close following reports of drug-related anti-social behaviour. Charnwood Borough Council secured the closure order for the flat in Churchill Road, Mountsorrel on April 6. The order stops anyone,..

Applications open for new rounds of Charnwood Community Grants

13th Apr

Community groups and voluntary organisations in Charnwood are being invited to apply for grant funding. Charnwood Borough Council has launched its first round of the 2022/23 Charnwood Community Grant schemes which help local organisations, charities,..

Deadline approaches for Charnwood Community Heroes 2022

13th Apr

Time is running out to get your nominations in for Charnwood Community Heroes 2022. The deadline to nominate your hero for one of the nine categories is Sunday May 8, 2022. Charnwood Community Heroes, run by Charnwood Borough Council, are a chance to..

Graphic for the tenant garden competition, including the weblink wwww.charnwood.gov.uk/gardens.

Tenants urged to enter garden competition

13th Apr

Council tenants are being encouraged to enter an annual garden competition. The event is run by Charnwood Borough Council and is open to its nearly 5,600 tenants who are being urged to show off their green-fingered skills. There are six categories to..

Partners band together to support Ukrainian refugees

13th Apr

Shared on behalf of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum Families and children fleeing Ukraine are starting to arrive in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland as councils, NHS, Police, East Midlands Airport and other..