Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R Cartlidge and

S Jones.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests in any item on the agenda

No interests were declared.

To give further consideration to the form of words for the Wilmslow voting paper, and to the distribution of the papers within the areas covered by the Wilmslow and Handforth petitions in the Community Governance Review.

In accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 the Chairman had agreed that by reason of special circumstances this item be considered as an item of urgent business because of the need to avoid any delay to the Community Governance Review timetable.

Consideration was given to the form of words on the Wilmslow voting paper, and to the distribution of the papers within the areas covered by the Wilmslow and Handforth petitions in the Community Governance Review.

It was reported that the electoral area 8EE1 (Finney Green) had been included within the geographic area referred to in the Handforth petition paper.  Concern had, however, been expressed as to whether or not this was the most appropriate arrangement for the residents in that area; the River Dean provided a more natural boundary line and if that line was followed the area concerned would fall within the area covered by the Wilmslow petition.

The Sub Committee was informed that, as the area of concern had been included in the Handforth petition, it would be advisable for the residents in that area to receive the Handforth ballot paper.  The response to the ballot would provide the information and evidence which the Sub Committee would take into account in deciding the boundaries of any Parishes which might be proposed and the matter could, therefore, be given further consideration at that time in the light of the responses received.     

RESOLVED

That

1. For the purposes of the ballot the Handforth voting paper be sent to residents included in the Handforth petition area, shaded green on the map contained in the Community Governance Review leaflet.

2. The proposed revised wording of the Wilmslow voting paper, as circulated with the agenda, be approved, subject to question 2a being amended to read: “I want a single parish council for Wilmslow, Handforth and Styal.”