Proposed changes to the Parliamentary boundaries of Bournemouth and Poole could see Upper Parkstone, in Poole, joining the Bournemouth West constituency.
The Boundary Commission for England is currently seeking to lower the number of MPs by expanding the existing boundaries of parliamentary constituencies.
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””][/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””]In particular, political attention has been centred around the Newtown electoral area, situated between Ashley Road and Herbert Avenue in the Borough of Poole. And Newtown mostly consists of residents who consider themselves to live within the region of Parkstone in Poole.[/wpcol_1half_end] [wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””][/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””]Conservative councillor Theo Stratton, who’s Winton East ward is currently situated in Bournemouth West, believes Newtown should remain in a Poole constituency, due to their natural affinity, cultural and historic relationships.[/wpcol_1half_end]But, for the Boundary Commission, aiming to get the size of new parliamentary constituencies as close to 76,000 voters as possible, the re-incorporation of Newtown into the Poole constituency would require another electoral ward to move into another constituency.
In his letter to the boundary commission, Liberal Democrat councillor Brian Clements, who has represented Newtown Ward in the Borough of Poole since 1985, said: “I feel very strongly that Newtown ward should remain part of the Poole Parliamentary Constituency and would propose that Canford Cliffs ward would be a good alternative to be included in the Bournemouth West Constituency.”
But, the proposal from Cllr Clements, which would see Sandbanks enter the Bournemouth West constituency has already been met by opposition from local residents in that area, supported by current Poole MP, Robert Syms.
Though the final decision over the boundaries is not expected until 2014, residents only have until 3 April 2012 to have their say.
To have your say on the boundaries click here
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