Announcement Due On New Prison Plan Decision

An announcement is due today on if a massive new prison will be built near Market Harborough.

It is set to be made by Michael Gove, the government’s Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

He has been reviewing the findings of a public inquiry into the proposal to build the £300m so-called ‘super jail’ on land adjacent to HMP Gartree.

Campaigners opposed to the new prison gathered before the start of the Public Inquiry

A decision was originally set to be taken in March – but has been delayed four times since, while further evidence was considered.

The plan for the 1,700-inmate prison has faced mass opposition and was refused by Harborough District Council, before the Ministry of Justice lodged an appeal.