Protest To Take Place Ahead Of Decision On New Prison Plan
Written by HFM News on 5th April 2022
Campaigners against a massive new prison near Market Harborough will hold a protest before a decision is made on if it can be built.
They will gather outside the District Council’s Symington Building HQ later today, ahead of a meeting of the planning committee, which will consider the proposal.
Villagers in Gumley are among those campaigning against the prison being built Pic: Andy Carpenter
People opposed to the so-called ‘super-jail’ fear it will lead to traffic problems in near-by villages and wreck the countryside.
They will be among those to speak at this evening’s meeting.
The multi-million pound jail, which would house 1,700 prisoners and create 600 jobs, is earmarked for land next to the existing Gartree Prison.
Planning officers are recommending councillors grant planning permission, despite over 360 objections being raised.
The Ministry of Justice say the new prison is part of a £3.8 billion scheme to deliver 20,000 additional prison places nationwide over the next three years.
