A new pattern of wards is being developed for Rushcliffe Borough Council following The Local Government Boundary Commission‘s decision that the number of councillors here in Rushcliffe should be 44 – the same as it is now.
However, with a significant amount of new housebuilding in Ruddington and other parts of the Borough, the Commission says our boundaries may need to change. That’s to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors and ward arrangements help the council work effectively. It says it also wants to be sure that its proposals reflect community ties and identities.
A 12 week consultation on what residents and organisations think about our own boundaries has been launched today (11th May 2021) and will run through until 19th July 2021.
The Commission is interested in our views on:
- Which communities should be part of the same ward?
- What facilities do people share, such as parks, leisure centres or schools and shopping areas?
- What issues do neighbouring communities face that they have in common, such as high numbers of visitors or heavy traffic?
- Have there been new housing or commercial developments that have changed the focus of communities?
- Are there roads, rivers, railways or other features that people believe form strong boundaries between neighbourhoods?
Ruddington Parish Council’s map showing how Ruddington Ward’s population density could increase massively by 2038 if proposed new development sites (R12.1 to R12.4) are added to those already under construction (in red)
The Commission says it will use local views to help it draw up proposals for new ward boundaries, followed by a further round of consultation once the Commission has drawn up those proposals.
Launching the consultation, Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, says: “We want people in Rushcliffe to help us. We are starting to draw up new wards for Rushcliffe. 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.”
He adds: “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 has a dedicated section on its website where people can give their views: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/have-your-say/27236. You can use the interactive map to see how Ruddington’s current Ward Boundary already differs from our historic Parish Boundary.
Villagers can also give our views by e-mailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk or by post to:
The Review Officer (Rushcliffe)
LGBCE
PO Box 133
Blyth
NE24 9FE
Please remember you will need to respond by 19th July 2021 at the latest.
