The door for Rutland to join South Kesteven isn't closed, say councillors there, despite the government saying that authorities should be aligned with emergency services, such as their police and fire.
Richard Cleaver, an independent Stamford councillor for the district and county, spoke in their chamber in support of the conversation continuing.
"I would like to say as a Stamford County Councillor and District Councillor, obviously we look very strongly towards Rutland. We have a lot of shared interests with Rutland and we have dysfunctional boundaries with Rutland and so we hope that there will be some very very constructive conversations with Rutland County Council. There's a strong opinion, I understand, that Leicestershire is not their chosen home and I hope that we can come to a satisfactory arrangement with them in terms of the future governance around the Stamford area."

Final day to see South Gardens at Burghley House
Record sale in Oakham
Foster carers needed in Rutland
Most of demolition materials recycled
Mental Health Cafe will launch at Oakham Library next month
Lincolnshire County Council consulting on parking restrictions
Repair Cafe launches on Saturday
The circus is in Stamford
Woman sentenced for causing death by careless driving
Food waste now being collected for South Kesteven residents
Weekend sports round up
Tractor run around the area