Extra chance for residents to have their say on boundary changes (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Extra chance for residents to have their say on boundary changes

5:00pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News

BROMSGROVE residents are being given an extra chance to have their say on plans to make significant changes to the town’s electoral map.

Last year the Local Government Boundary Commission for England asked people to take part in a consultation on its draft proposals for new district council wards, ward boundaries and ward names.

The commission carried out the review following a request from the council to change its governance arrangements so that each ward across Bromsgrove is represented by one councillor.

After listening to the views expressed, three substantial changes to the plans were made.

As these changes are significant, the commission has decided to reopen the consultation.

The commission now proposes the Bell Heath area should be part of the Belbroughton and Clent ward, and not Romsley.

It is proposed the whole of Hagley is included in the Hagley East and Hagley West wards, and that Fairfield should be part of the Romsley ward.

The commission also proposes Bournheath is divided between Catshill North and Catshill South wards, and has made several amendments to the previous recommendations for Bromsgrove town - particularly the Sanders Park area - as well as altering draft proposals for the Hill Top and Sidemoor wards.

Max Caller, the commission’s chairman, said: “There were some strong arguments made to us by local people for alternative ward boundaries in the last phase of consultation and we have tried to reflect them in these recommendations.”

The commission’s new recommendations are available to view at consultation.lgbce.org.uk.

Anyone who wishes to comment can write to the commission, at The Review Officer (Bromsgrove), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Layden House, 76-86 Turnmill Street, London, EC1M 5LG.

Alternatively, email reviews@lgbce.org.uk.