Issue - meetings

To consider the representations received and make a final recommendation to the Constitution Committee on the outcome of the Review.     

The Sub-Committee had met on 15^th September and 4^th October 2011 to formulate proposals for Polling Districts and Polling Places for public consultation. These were published on 7^th October 2011 for a four week period of consultation ending on 4^th November 2011. Disability Groups, Local Political Parties, Members of Parliament, Parish Councils and Cheshire East Councillors have been consulted on the proposals.

Council at its meeting on 13^th October 2011 had agreed that the final decision concerning the outcome of the Review be delegated to the Constitution Committee at its meeting on 17^th November 2011.

All representations received had been collated and were circulated at the meeting.  

The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a number of wards in light of the representations received:

BRERETON RURAL

Somerford Parish Council had expressed concern at the proposal to use Brereton Primary School, which was a long way to travel for some residents. Davenport Chapel, Holmes Chapel Road was proposed as an alternative. This was agreed.

BROKEN CROSS AND UPTON

A representation had been made by a Councillor relating to where electors voted within the ward. This may be alleviated by a proposal to split a polling district so that part would vote at Latter Day Saints Church. However, a suggestion to reduce the number voting at Macclesfield Cricket Club would have implications for the rest of the ward. Macclesfield Cricket Club would therefore be used and the Club had agreed to cordon off part of the car park at the bottom of the drive for voters, with the top area being allocated to disabled voters.

CONGLETON EAST

The Clerk to Congleton Town Council had expressed his council’s concern at proposals to transfer a polling district from Mossley Village Hall to Wellspring Methodist Church. This would make it difficult for a number of elderly residents to vote. The Officers proposed as an alternative that the boundary of the polling district be aligned with the railway line. This was agreed.

CREWE SOUTH

Following representations by the Labour Party, the Officers had considered the feasibility of using Belong, the YMCA in Gresty Road and the New Life Church in Fuller Drive as polling stations. The YMCA and New Life Church were good venues and were both available for use in the future. Belong could have been used in place of Pebble Brook School but the room required for the polling station was on the first floor; whilst there was a lift, the location was not ideal. It was agreed therefore that Pebble Brook School would continue to be used.

DANE VALLEY

It was proposed that approximately 100 electors be transferred from Hermitage Primary School to Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School. Councillor L Gilbert had suggested that the electors be transferred instead to Middlewich Road Primary School. However, the Sub-Committee agreed that the Comprehensive School was a more suitable venue.

KNUTSFORD

Councillor P Raynes had supported the use of Toft Cricket Club but felt that the creation of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14