Council leader reiterates request to Prime Minister to call in decision on new prison at Gartree

The Leader of Harborough District Council has contacted the Prime Minister’s office to request a response to his letter, sent last month, to call in the decision by the previous Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to allow the new prison at Gartree to be built.

Cllr Knowles wrote to The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer, MP, Cllr Knowles, on 8 July 2024. In his letter he said: “Whilst we understand the figures and comments on prison places, I would contest that any new prison must be built in the right places.  
 
“Prime Minister. I urge you to call in this decision. To ask the questions, is it value for money, is it logical to have it situated in Gartree? Can the infrastructure cope? Is it the catalyst if left unchallenged that will impact in a hugely negative way on the community? I respectfully suggest this decision needs to be revisited and every aspect reconsidered.   
 
Cllr Knowles has also offered to meet ministers who may wish to visit the site.