More than 2,000 people have signed Alicia Kearns MP's petition opposing plans to reorganise local government across Rutland, Stamford, South Kesteven and the Harborough villages within 48 hours of its launch.
The petition was launched in response to the Government's decision last week to abolish Rutland County Council and create large new unitary authorities stretching across Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
Under the plans, Rutland and the majority of the Harborough villages will become part of a new rural Leicestershire council serving over 578,000 people, while Stamford and South Kesteven will be placed in a vast Lincolnshire authority of around 574,000 residents. Meanwhile, Thurnby, Bushby, Scraptoft and Stoughton will no longer be part of Leicestershire and will be taken over by Leicester City.
Alicia, along with local Conservative MPs and Councillors, is considering taking legal action against the Government.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
“The Government has chosen to ignore the clear message of thousands of residents: we want decisions about our communities made close to home by people who care about, and are invested in, our communities.
“This reorganisation risks pushing our market towns and villages to the margins of vast new authorities, marginalising our distinct identities and needs.
“I’m urging everyone who believes our communities deserve a stronger voice to please add their name to my petition. This fight is far from over.”
