Harborough district residents and business owners fear taxes will go up as they call city expansion ‘a big mistake’
Leicester’s major boundary extension has been called a “big mistake” by residents and business owners in one village that’s set to become part of the city.
The concerns have been raised after it was confirmed local government reorganisation will see Leicester City’s border expand into towns and villages such as Great Glen, Oadby, Wigston, and more, creating a much bigger Leicester than we see today.
All councils will also be abolished to make way for two new unitary authorities – one for the city and one to represent Leicestershire and Rutland.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) visited the village of Narborough, which will be included in the new city boundary, to find out residents’ views on the move.
Sheila Swann, 74, who lives in Enderby, said she didn’t agree with the city expansion.
She said: “We have to keep it [the village] in the county, not with Leicester City.
“I’d rather see things as they are at the moment. Leicester should be as it is and keep the county as it is, not merge it”.
John Moran, 76, who lives in nearby Littlethorpe, said he fears people would be “left out” by the move.
He added: “When you have a larger centralised system, people are going to be left out”.
Mr Moran also said he felt that Narborough and the surrounding villages’ needs would “very unlikely” be met by the expansion plan.
He said: “City dwellers are going to have some needs that are greater or different than our area or other areas.
“It’s a political idea and sometimes political ideas don’t work for the whole population”.
Small business owner Lorraine Lythe lives in Enderby and runs Myrtle’s Home and Me. She said she felt the village was being “dragged into the city”.
The 60-year-old added: “I think it’s a big mistake.
“People still want their separate identity from city to village. I have a five-year business plan that I will take each year as it comes, rather than assume, and we will see what they bring forward for it [businesses].
“I love Narborough being a village, that’s why I’m here. I’d like to have been in the city but the city rates are now extortionate so I’m hoping we’re not going to be dragged into that”.
Christine Hushwaite, 76, who lives in Enderby, said Narborough and surrounding villages “were nowhere near the city” and she didn’t agree with the plans.
She added: “I know people don’t agree with it because of how many people on Facebook don’t agree with it. I don’t know anyone who agrees with it”.
Joe Cox, 22, who lives in Littlethorpe, said he felt like the move would lead to an “impact on services” with “response times being slower”.
He added: “Costs will increase, taxes on certain things and I think there will be an impact.
“I’m not necessarily saying everything runs smoothly now, but I think we’ll definitely see an impact going forward.
“I wouldn’t say it’s very fair. I understand the Government’s got a job to do and they think this is in the best interest and there’s not a lot we can do about it.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a positive change”.
The Labour Party, who have spearheaded local government reorganisation, said the move will “give residents a one stop shop for all their services”.
A spokesperson added: “Labour politicians from across Leicestershire will work together with everyone to ensure whatever the outcome of the process we all focus on what matters most – delivering the best services possible for residents.
Elections for the two new councils are set to take place in May 2027 with the new authorities expected to be up and running by April 2028.