Campaigners Call For Meeting With Government Minister During Visit To Harborough

Opponents to a new prison being built near Market Harborough want to meet the government minister who gave it the go-ahead when he visits the area later this week.

Michael Gove will be in the constituency on Friday evening to support a fundraising event organised by the Harborough Conservative Association.

Michael Gove Pic: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

The visit will come just a fortnight after the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities granted planning permission for the controversial ‘super prison’ to be built on land near HMP Gartree.

In doing so, he overturned a decision by Harborough District Council who rejected the plan after mass opposition to it.

Members of Gartree Action Group have requested a meeting with with Mr Gove during his visit, as has council leader, Cllr Phil Knowles, who spoke to HFM:

Harborough Conservative Association say the visit by Mr Gove to support Friday’s event has been planned for many months.

Mr Gove has been approached for comment via the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Harborough District Council is continuing to consider the decision to grant planning permission for the prison and to see if it can be challenged in any way.