MP is not impressed by any of the options for councils shake-up

ASHFIELD'S MP says the idea that part of the area could end up in a bigger Nottingham council is "nonsense" as talks continue on a huge shake-up of local councils.

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

A Hands Off Hucknall petition was established which criticised the idea of the town becoming part of a bigger council covering Nottingham and surrounding areas.

Initial options have now been finalised and Hucknall does not currently feature in the list of areas into which Nottingham could expand. It could instead expand to cover Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.

Yet the city council, which backs the idea of a bigger Nottingham authority, says it remains open to other expansions not currently being considered.

Lee Anderson's constituency does not cover Hucknall, but the town does fall under the purview of Ashfield District Council.

Ashfield's Reform UK MP rubbished the idea of Hucknall joining the city by saying: "It's nonsense. It's never going to happen."

The government first confirmed in late 2024 that it wanted to carry out the biggest reorganisation of local government for 50 years.

The current system involves Nottinghamshire County Council managing major services such as roads and social care, while seven district and borough councils manage smaller services such as bin collections.

The city council is a unitary authority, meaning it manages both the large and smaller services. The government's plans will see another unitary authority created, abolishing the seven district and boroughs.