Good to see so many people in the borough enjoying the celebrations
A lot’s happened in the last few weeks, but I’d like to start this month’s column by reflecting on the long weekend where our community came out in full force to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
My wife and I (with our two mischievous whippets in tow!) were made very welcome when we watched the service in Carlton, and over the weekend we spent time at events in Market Bosworth, Newbold Verdon, Higham on the Hill and Hinckley. It was a real pleasure to see so many people and families out enjoying the celebrations. I’m only sad I couldn’t get round to every street party!
As well as the plethora of decorations and great community spirit, I’ll always remember the dutiful role that Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House of Commons, played in the service as she held the 17th-Century Sword of State (around 4 foot tall and weighing 8 lbs) aloft for the two hour ceremony. She performed her role, as Lord President of the Privy Council, spectacularly and served the nation proudly.
Speaking of Penny… earlier this month (May) I wrote to thousands of people across our area to notify them that the Planning Inspectorate is seeking our community’s views on the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (NRFI) proposals, which I also raised with the Leader of the House on the floor of the Commons.
The Leader, Penny, joined my calls for our community to have a say and share our views directly with the Planning Inspectorate, who makes a recommendation on the Hinckley NRFI based on evidence gathered.
This has been, and will continue to be, a long process. And I’m conscious that this may feel like Groundhog Day to residents who took part in the – at times, very testing – public consultation held by the developer, Tritax Symmetry, last year.
But this next step is crucial. This gives our community, and those who care deeply about the impact this may have on our infrastructure and environment, the chance to share thoughts and concerns on the proposals directly with the body that makes a recommendation.
Alberto Costa MP, whose constituency of South Leicestershire the HNRFI risks being built in, and I have been raising this both locally and down in Westminster. We’ll continue to work together and keep our communities updated.
Constituents and organisations who wish to share their views should register as an Interested Party by Friday June 23rd to take part in the process. I also suggest reading proposal documents provided on the Planning Inspectorate website to give additional weight to your comments.
Any statements you provide as an Interested Party go straight to the Planning Inspectorate. So if you have an opinion, this is how to make it count!
Sign up and read the proposals here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov. uk/projects/east-midlands/ hinckley-national-rail-freightinterchange/