Issue - meetings

To receive an update by Officers and to consider a revised schedule of proposals.

At the previous meeting, the Officers had reported that the Boundary Commission for England had announced its intention to carry out a review of Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England. For Cheshire East, this would be based on the former ward boundaries. The Officers had sought legal advice on the possibility of postponing the review of Polling Districts and Places. The legal advice was that the review should proceed as planned.

Members had also considered a schedule of proposed changes submitted and had agreed a number of specific changes. They had also agreed that proposed changes of a technical administrative nature should be dealt with by the Officers without the need for further consultation with Members.

The schedule of changes had now been updated to reflect Members’ comments and amendments and was resubmitted for Members for further consideration. Members noted a number of additional proposals and representations.

Broken Cross and Upton – Councillors L Brown and M Hardy had objected to the proposed use of Macclesfield Cricket Club because of parking problems and had submitted counter proposals for the Sub-Committee’s consideration. It was noted, however, that this would have significant implications for the rest of the ward. It was agreed that the Cricket Club be used on the basis that disabled electors would be encouraged to use the top car park and others would be encouraged to use the lower car park.

Crewe St Barnabas – Councillor R Cartlidge had proposed that a new polling station be created at Beechmere retirement village.  However, the Officers had received representations from Beechmere that the building was unsuitable as it dealt with vulnerable adults and the doors had to be locked at 5.00 pm each day. It was therefore agreed that the proposal be not pursued.

Crewe West – the Labour Party had made representations that the polling station be reinstated at Edleston Primary School, having been removed at the school’s request. It was agreed that electors should return to Edleston Primary School but that should there be issues in the future this would be reconsidered.

Crewe South – following representations by the Labour Party, the Officers would be considering the feasibility of using the YMCA, Gresty Road and New Life Church, Fuller Drive as polling stations.

Councillor R Fletcher had also made representations with regard to the Alsager ward and Officers had responded to him direct.

Members then considered the eight wards in the north of the Borough which had not been considered previously pending the receipt of the legal advice on the review. The Officers reported that the current Boundary Commission review of Parliamentary constituency boundaries would not have a significant impact on the polling arrangements for the north of the Borough.

Poynton East and Pott Shrigley – it was agreed that St Martin’s Church Hall should continue to be used until another suitable venue for a polling station could be found.

Wilmslow Dean Row – Councillor P Whiteley mentioned that Dean Oaks Primary School was not a good  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9