‘We don’t know what we are voting for’

AN MP says she shares the concerns of residents on a Hull estate who say a referendum this week “is worse than Brexit” as they have no idea about what they are voting for.

West Hull and Hessle MP Emma Hardy said she tried unsuccessfully to get tomorrow’s poll, run by Hull Council, postponed for a month. People on the Thornton estate have received polling cards, but say beyond being told it is about adopting a new Neighbourhood Plan, there is no further information.

Ms Hardy said: “I understand many residents within the Great Thornton Street area are concerned they have not been given any information by the Goodwin Trust about the Neighbourhood Plan for Thornton.” She has urged the trust to send information out “as a matter of urgency”.

Resident Elaine Lewis said the underlying concern was that it would help drive through plans to pull down houses and refurbish the estate. She said: “We knew what we were voting for with Brexit, but with this we know absolutely nothing. Quite a few people are asking is it legal? There are elderly people who have been here 50 or 60 years and they are frightened. There are a lot who are very angry.”

The trust did not respond to requests for comment. Hull Council said they had no power of postponement. The plan had been referred to the council following public consultation and endorsement by an independent examiner.