Minister Urged To Visit New Prison Site Ahead Of Decision

The government minister who will rule on if a massive new prison will be built near Market Harborough is being urged to visit the site.

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, is due to make an announcement next month on if the controversial plan for the £300m jail will go ahead.

The 1700-inmate prison is earmarked for land near HMP Gartree, but many residents living in near-by villages oppose it.

Councillor Phil Knowles, leader of Harborough District Council wants Mr Gove to see first-hand the location and listen to concerns of those opposed to the plan.

Campaigners opposed to the new prison plan

Cllr Knowles has written a letter to Mr Gove, which reads: “Your decision on this matter is imminent. I am sure that you will want to have all available information to hand to assist you with this.

“As Leader of Harborough District Council I would like to formally invite you to visit the site and to see it for yourself at close quarters. To see the surrounding road structures, villages etc.

“I appreciate that your diary is always under huge pressures but I would suggest that this visit would be time well spent.”

HFM has contacted the department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for comment.