I love living in Great Glen. It's a place that offers a sense of community, beauty, and tranquility that I've cherished for years. However, recent discussions about merging Great Glen with the city of Leicester threaten to change the very nature of what makes this area unique. A merger could result in higher taxes, increased congestion, and an erosion of the local culture that makes Great Glen so special.

Great Glen is not just a suburb or an extension of Leicester; it is a distinct community with its own identity and history. Moving under the administrative umbrella of Leicester city could lead to a loss of local governance, decreasing the community's power to make decisions that best suit its own residents. Many of us chose to live in Great Glen because of its charm, the friendly local people, and the beautiful landscapes. We did not choose to assimilate into a larger urban area that does not align with our lifestyle or values.

The proposed merger will also impact local businesses that thrive on the uniqueness and autonomy of the area. With Leicester's governance, these businesses may face regulations and challenges that could disrupt their operations and diminish their contributions to our local economy.

Evidence from previous municipal mergers shows that smaller communities often lose their voice and face reduced services as resources are redirected to larger urban cores. It's important to maintain our own governance structure to ensure that the specific needs and desires of the Great Glen community are met, rather than being overridden by broader urban priorities.

In order to keep Great Glen's autonomy and preserve its unique character, I urge local leaders and decision-makers to recognize the importance of keeping our community independent from Leicester's jurisdiction. Let's protect Great Glen from losing its identity and ensure that it remains a vibrant and distinct locality.

Please join me by signing this petition to express our collective desire to remain separate from Leicester and keep Great Glen's community spirit alive and thriving. Together, we can make a difference.