A petition set up by the Rushcliffe Conservative Association has surpassed 10,000 signatures online, with hundreds more signing paper copies.
The petition opposes plans announced by the Labour Government to abolish borough and district councils and create new unitary authorities, which would replace existing city and county councils.
Under the proposals, each new council must serve around 500,000 people, meaning Nottingham City Council would need to expand – putting Rushcliffe at risk of being absorbed.
Cllr Debbie Soloman, Chairman of Rushcliffe Conservatives, said the petition’s success demonstrates the strength of community feeling:
“We have people signing every day, both online and on paper copies – people from all political backgrounds, including supporters of other parties and two genuine independent councillors from Bingham. The thought of Rushcliffe joining Nottingham City is a terrifying prospect, given the City Council’s poor track record.
“Rushcliffe has the lowest council tax in Nottinghamshire, is debt-free, and continues to invest in services. If the Government forces Rushcliffe to be absorbed, we must remain within a new County Council rather than being forced into the existing City Council.
“We have spoken with the Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council and the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council to share residents’ views, and both agree that every effort must be made to keep Rushcliffe out of Nottingham City.
“Through this petition, we are standing up for the people of Rushcliffe, challenging both the Government and local Labour councillors who are pushing for us to join a new City Council.”
West Bridgford Councillor Jonathan Wheeler says it is the number one issue on the doorstep:
“The overwhelming majority of residents I have spoken with want nothing to do with Nottingham City. I have knocked on hundreds of doors in the last few weeks, and it’s the number one issue on the doorstep.
“We have seen Labour councillors try to backtrack on their rhetoric once they realised how unpopular this move would be, but the damage is done. We will ensure the Government, the City Council, our MP, and the local Labour Party hear the voices of residents.
“We hope James Naish MP will change his mind and back the petition and Rushcliffe residents on this issue, but we have not received a direct answer despite two emails. We will continue to make the case to him to stand up to his Government and back our residents on this important issue.”
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The petition continues to gather support as local residents express their determination not to join a new Nottingham City Council.
The petition is here: https://www.change.org/protectrushcliffe.
