SHIFTING ward boundaries means more councillors will be needed in Stratford district.
A new pattern of wards is being developed for Stratford District Council, and the Local Government Boundary Commission has decided the number of councillors in Stratford should increase from 36 to 41.
The commission is reviewing the district council to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors, and ward arrangements help the council work effectively. It wants to be sure its proposals reflect community ties and identities, and a 10 week consultation on the proposals will run until May 3.
The consultation aims to find which communities should be part of the same ward and which facilities people share, such as parks, leisure centres or schools and shopping areas.
The body also wants to know what issues neighbouring communities face and which they have in common including high numbers of visitors, heavy traffic and new developments which have changed the focus of communities.
It also wants help to identify roads, rivers, railways or other features which form strong boundaries between neighbourhoods.
Commission chair Professor Colin Mellors said: “We want people in Stratford to help us.
“We are starting to draw up new wards for Stratford District Council. We want our proposals for new electoral arrangements to reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.
“Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process.
“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.
“Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”
The commission will use views to help it draw up proposals for new ward boundaries. There will be a further round of consultation once the commission has drawn up those proposals.
Visit consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/24993 to submit views.
