Deadline approaches for controversial ward boundary changes

ONLY a few days are left before the deadline for members of the public to have a say on the proposals for new council ward boundaries across Warrington.
Public consultation ends on October 19 and although many people and organisations have already spoken out on the proposals, many still have not.
The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England and Wales needs all views to be in by October 19.
Draft proposals put forward by the commission suggest that Warrington Borough Council should have an extra councillor – bringing the total to 58.
This would mean 14 three member wards and eight two member wards across the borough.
But, controversially, it would mean big changes to existing ward boundaries in the south of the borough.
Lymm would be split in two, with the northern half taking in Thelwall and part of Grappenhall.
The villages of Stretton, Hatton and Walton would be erased from the electoral map and become part of Appleton which, in turn, would lose historic Appleton Thorn to Grappenhall.
The draft proposals are resisted by Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors across the south of the borough
Commission chairman Max Caller said: “We are keen to hear local views about our boundary proposals before we finalise them in December.
“We want to make sure ward boundaries across Warrington reflect the identities and interests of local communities as well as delivering electoral fairness for voters.
“This is your last chance to have your say before we finalise the recommendations.”
Local people can have their say directly by visiting www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk
The full recommendations and detailed maps are also available on the Commission’s main
website at www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/north-west/cheshire/warrington-unitary-authority-ua.
The commission wants to hear as much evidence as possible in order to develop final recommendations for Warrington. Anyone who would like to make a submission to the Commission, should write or email by October 19.
Write to The Review Officer (Warrington), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, 14th floor, Millbank Tower, London SW1P 4QP or email [email protected]