Have your say

We need to replace the payment machines in our car parks.

To help deliver a service that works best for our community and procure suitable machines, we wanted to understand how you currently pay for parking and which payment options you would like to see available in the future.

The results showed that our community values a range of payment methods.

While the most popular option was “contactless, card and app payments only” (37.49%), the results also showed significant support for payment methods that continue to include cash (58.78%).

• 37.49% preferred machines offering contactless, card and app payments only (no cash payments).
   
• 31.89% preferred machines offering cash, contactless and card payments only (no app payments).
   
• 26.89% preferred machines offering cash, contactless, card and app payments.
   
• 3.73% had no preference.

The findings highlight the importance of providing a service that offers a range of payment options to meet the needs of our diverse community and visitors to the town.

We have reviewed the survey results alongside parking usage data and guidance from partner organisations.

This information will help shape the specification for our replacement parking machines and inform the procurement process, where the council will aim to provide a range of payment options including cash, card and app payments.

Whether you would be supportive of a town council being established for Melton Mowbray and if you were would you prefer this to be considered now by Melton Borough Council or to wait until after a new unitary council is established.

We also asked you if lived in the town or in the parishes and that if having considered the potential benefits, would you be prepared to pay additional Council Tax to fund the ongoing costs of a town council.

The results showed that of the 117 people who responded:

• 66.67% were in favour of a town council being established, whereas 23.08% said they were not and 10.26% were unsure 

• 63.25% wanted us to look at this now, whereas 21.37% did not and 15.38% were unsure or did not answer the question

• 31.62% would be willing to pay more Council Tax, whereas 27.35% would not and 41.03% were unsure or did not answer the question

• 72.65% lived in the town with 25.64% in the parishes with 1.71% living outside of the borough.

The findings show some support for a town council being established in Melton Mowbray with some support for this being looked at now. In terms of paying for a town council, this was more split with the majority being unsure or not being willing to do this. Of those that responded nearly 3 in 4 lived in the town.

It was planned for these results to be discussed at a Council meeting in the Autumn of 2026. However, following the recent pause of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) by the Government, these survey results will now be discussed by our members at a future Council meeting. They will determine the way forward on this proposal when clarification has been received on the timescales for LGR and what this means for the future of Melton Borough Council.

The Town Centre Perception Survey covered questions around the following;

• Cleanliness and maintenance
• Signage and accessibility 
• Green spaces and public amenities
• Community spirit and town centre activity 
• Culture, heritage and events 
• Melton Country Park
• Improvements that would enhance the town centre experience 

• You wanted better signage and easier navigation around the town centre. 
• You wanted continued investment in public spaces and town centre infrastructure. 
• You wanted more opportunities to learn about Melton heritage and history. 
• You wanted more events and activities throughout the year. 
• You highlighted the importance of Melton Country Park and opportunities to improve facilities and accessibility. 
• You wanted cleaner, greener, and better maintained public spaces. 

Investing in the town centre 

• Delivered Town Centre Improvements such as additional weed treatment and removal, 10 new litter bins and 31 renovated benches. 
• Adopted the award-winning Town Centre Design Guide. 
• Completed a Conservation Area Appraisal. 
• Created an Inward Investment Strategy.
• Established a project to invest in more greenery, more seating and active travel by delivering a programme of works to Windsor Street Bike Park which includes renovating bike parking, planting, seating and picnic facilities

Supporting culture and heritage 

• Commissioned a Cultural Appraisal. 
• Established a Cultural Stakeholder Group. 
• Submitted a Town of Culture application, generating positive media attention.
• Proposals to include a Cultural Hub at Stockyard 

Supporting events and vibrancy 

• Awarded funding to improve event infrastructure. 
• Supported community, cultural and heritage events. 
• Sponsored Melton BID Awards 2026. 

Investing in Melton Country Park and green spaces 

• Completed bridge replacement 
• Refreshed bird hides. 
• Created a new wildflower garden, deepening the Letters to Heaven initiative. 
• Planted a ‘Tiny Forest’ 
• Progressed the Country Park Action Plan

Creating a cleaner and greener Melton 

• Supported maintenance and cleansing activity. 
• Worked alongside volunteer groups and community organisations. 

Making Melton more accessible 

• Began engaging with businesses across the borough through a dedicated Business Accessibility Survey, creating a clearer understanding of current provision and identifying opportunities to improve accessibility for residents, visitors and employees.