Harborough and Lutterworth MPs to take Leicester boundary expansion petition to Downing Street

The petition, started by Alberto Costa MP, has already had more than 15,000 signatures from residents who are against the proposals to split up current district and county lines.

Mr Costa will be joined by Neil O’Brien, and fellow Leicestershire and Rutland MPs Peter Bedford, Alicia Kearns, Ed Argar and Dr Luke Evans as they hand the petition in to Number 10 on Monday, September 14.

Residents are set to gather on Whitehall for a demonstration to highlight the fierce opposition to the proposals at 1.15pm on the day.

Harborough District Council leader Cllr Simon Whelband will be joined by his fellow council leaders at the demonstration in Whitehall.

And Mr Costa is calling on residents from South Leicestershire and across the county to attend the demonstration.

Mr Costa said: “Thousands of people across South Leicestershire and the wider county have made their views clear.

“They do not want their towns and villages absorbed into an expanded Leicester City against their wishes.

“More than 15,000 residents have already signed my petition, but there is still time for others to add their names before we take it to Downing Street on the 14 th September. Every signature strengthens our message to the Government.

The petition can be found at www.albertocosta.org.uk/campaigns/local-government-reorganisation

The MP added: “If you feel strongly about these proposals, I would encourage you to sign the petition and, if possible, join us on Whitehall at 1.15pm on 14 September. We want Ministers to see first-hand the strength of feeling that exists across our communities.”