Gedling’s Rural Villages: Councillors Advocate Against Merger with Nottingham in Council Restructure
Two councillors from Gedling, Mike Adams and Sam Smith, are urging the government to protect the borough’s rural villages from a proposed merger with Nottingham. This plan is part of the largest local government restructuring in over 50 years.
Concerns Over Gedling’s Rural Villages
In a letter addressed to Alison McGovern MP, the councillors voiced their strong opposition to including communities like Burton Joyce, Stoke Bardolph, Gedling, and Rivendell in Nottingham City. They argue that these are distinct rural areas with unique identities and service needs, markedly different from urban settings.
Key Issues Highlighted
- Green Belt Protection: The Trent Valley villages are situated within critical Green Belt land, and councillors believe urban development from Nottingham would threaten their rural integrity.
- Mismatch in Services: Residents depend on services tailored for rural living, such as specialized transport and local policing. The councillors fear these needs may be neglected under city governance.
- Financial Concerns: With Nottingham City Council facing significant financial hurdles, including high deficits and losses like the £38 million to Robin Hood Energy, the councillors contend that rural areas should not bear the financial burden of the city’s challenges.
Request for Local Engagement
Cllrs. Adams and Smith have requested that the Minister reject any plans to change the community boundaries that could absorb rural areas into the city landscape. They emphasized the necessity for any local government reorganization in Nottinghamshire to include community consent and safeguard rural identities.
In conclusion, the councillors reiterated, “Our towns and villages are not Nottingham suburbs, and they must never be treated that way.” This statement reflects their commitment to preserving the character and needs of Gedling’s rural villages amidst potential government reorganization.
