The MP for Rutland and Melton has supported the arrangement of a Special Meeting following flooding, and continues to campaign against Mallard Pass Solar Farm.

Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has encouraged her constituents in Rutland to attend an upcoming meeting concerning recent flooding across the area, called for by a cohort of Conservative councillors backed by Ms Kearns.

Alicia Kearns addressed her constituents: "I know that many of you have been affected by the recent devastating floods in our communities. I have been working with our Council, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, and the families affected to offer my full support and help in any way I can.  

"Last week, alongside Conservative Rutland Councillors, I called for an urgent meeting of Rutland County Council following the recent flooding. Without this public debate, members of our communities and Councillors would have been unable to ask questions and make deputations until March."

The meeting will be held in the main Council Chamber from 7pm on Thursday 18 January and streamed online via Zoom. You can find out more about the Special Meeting here. 

If your property was flooded internally, you can inform Rutland County Council so that you receive the support you need. Ms Kearns has encouraged residents to do this.

To report a flood to the Council, please email [email protected]  

She continued: "I have also visited some of those worst affected in Leicestershire, including the Crown and Plough pub in Long Clawson, which has flooded on several occasions. The Government has activated the National Flood Recovery Framework, so that households, businesses, and farmers most impacted will benefit from Government funding. Leicestershire has qualified for this framework, meaning residents will be able to apply for Government funding as we enter the recovery stage. Leicestershire County Council are waiting to receive more details about how residents will be able to access the support, so do keep an eye on their social media channels and website in the meantime.  

"Many of you in Rutland have shared your concerns about the increased risk of flooding Mallard Pass solar plant poses. As you may know, the Planning Inspectorate Examination for the proposed Mallard Pass solar plant concluded late last year. The Planning Inspectorate is currently reviewing all of the evidence before presenting their report and recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho. This report is due by the 16 February.  

"Claire will then have three months to review the report and decide whether or not to give planning permission for Mallard Pass. I am doing everything I can to show her and her team the myriad of reasons why Mallard ought to be rejected but I need your help.  

"Please join me in making one final push for petition signatures and letters of objection addressed to the Secretary of State!" 

Ms Kearns will be presenting the petition against Mallard Pass to the House of Commons during the time the Secretary of State is making her decision.

She said: "We have already collected a fantastic 3,000 signatures despite the rural nature of our communities.  

"Now I am asking you to help me make one final push for signatures before the end of January. Any resident in the United Kingdom can sign and every signature is vital in showing just how unpopular this development is. If you are yet to sign or know someone else who may wish to add their name, please email me at [email protected] and I will send you some sheets."

Alicia Kearns is also collecting letters of objection to Mallard Pass addressed to the Secretary of State, which she will be hand delivering to her. If you want to have your letter included, please either email it to the above address, or post it to:  

Office of Alicia Kearns MP 

House of Commons 

SW1A 0AA 

Alicia concluded: "Thank you for all of your engagement and support in opposing the Mallard Pass solar plant. With the moment of decision fast approaching this is the last chance we have to make our case in numbers and convince the Secretary of State to reject this proposal once and for all!"