Just a few weeks remain for Bromsgrove residents to have say on new ward boundaries (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Just a few weeks remain for Bromsgrove residents to have say on new ward boundaries

3:50pm Tuesday 31st July 2012 in Local

THERE are just a few weeks left for Bromsgrove people to tell the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England where they think new ward boundaries should be drawn across the district.

The Commission is asking people and groups across Bromsgrove for their help to produce a new pattern of wards for 31 councillors.

In June, the Commission agreed to reduce the number of councillors representing Bromsgrove District Council by eight. The consultation closes on August 28.
 

Max Caller, Commission chair, said: “We’re asking local people and organisations to help us draw up a new pattern of wards for the whole district.
 

“We’re asking for people’s views on where they think the focal point of their community is and where the natural boundaries between communities might lie. We welcome any information people can provide that might help us draw up new wards across Bromsgrove.

“As we draw new ward boundaries for Bromsgrove, we will look to ensure that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters. We also aim to produce a pattern of wards that reflects the interests and identities of communities across the district.

“We are gathering local people’s views before we publish draft recommendations for a new pattern of wards for Bromsgrove. Local residents, groups and organisations will then get a further chance to have their say on those recommendations in November.

“We will carefully consider all evidence provided to us during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole borough or just a part of it.
 

“It’s also important for local people to remember that the council has asked us to come up with a scheme of electoral arrangements where each ward is represented by one councillor. If you’re planning to make a submission to us, you should bear in mind the fact that we will be trying to come up with a uniform pattern of single-member wards across Bromsgrove.”

For more details, see lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/west-midlands/worcestershire/bromsgrove-fer.