Campaigners opposing the division of Rushcliffe under local government reorganisation have continued collecting signatures during an event in Radcliffe-on-Trent.
Rushcliffe Conservative councillors and campaigners set up a petition stall in the village today, Saturday 22 August, where they said residents queued to add their names and discuss the changes.
The petition, launched in January 2025, calls for Rushcliffe communities to be kept out of a new authority incorporating Nottingham city after boundary expansion. It had 14,549 verified online signatures at the time of publication, with campaigners also collecting signatures on paper.
Organisers said: “We had a brilliant morning in Radcliffe-on-Trent, with a queue of people eager to sign our petition.
“Residents were incredibly supportive and keen to help us protect Rushcliffe’s future.
“A huge thank you to the whole team and everyone who stopped to speak with us and show their support.”
The campaign has continued despite the Government announcing on 16 July that it would proceed with a major restructuring of local government across Nottinghamshire.
Under the selected proposal, all nine existing city, county, district and borough councils will be abolished and replaced by two new unitary authorities.
An enlarged Nottingham city authority area will include the existing city and neighbouring areas from Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling, including West Bridgford, Beeston and Arnold.
The second authority will cover Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood, together with the remaining parts of Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling.
The changes will end the current two-tier system, with the new councils becoming responsible for services including social care, roads, planning, housing, waste collection and council tax.
Elections to the new authorities are expected to take place in May 2027.
Campaigners argue that the Government should reverse its decision, claiming Rushcliffe residents could face higher council tax and changes to local services. The petition is organised by Rushcliffe Conservative Association.
The petition can be viewed and signed here.
