The Boundary Commission is conducting a review of Mansfield District Council's ward boundaries and wants to hear what residents and organisations think about their local area to help inform this work.
The Commission, an independent body responsible for recommending to Parliament electoral boundaries, is proposing that no changes be made to the number of councillors elected to the Council. It is recommending that there should continue to be 36 councillors, each representing a single ward.
It is now holding a public consultation until 03 May 2021 and is interested to hear the views of communities on what future warding arrangements should look like.
This is to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements provide convenient and effective local government. It wants to be sure that its proposals reflect community ties and identities.
The consultation would like to know things like:
- 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?
This information would also be useful to the council in proposing to the Commission future boundaries that reflect local communities and identities.
Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We want people in Mansfield to help us. 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. Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”
Returning Officer for Mansfield Hayley Barsby said: "This is a chance for local people to help shape the way the ward boundaries fall. There has not been a review of this kind in this district since 2009/10 so now is the time to speak if you feel the boundaries should change.
"Every area experiences changes in population over time due to housing developments and this can have an impact on how communities perceive themselves and whether they still feel part of one area or now feel part of another area. It is these population shifts that have triggered this review by the Commission this time.
"Anyone or any organisation has a chance to have their say on this to help the Commission make the right recommendations."
Residents can comment on the Commission's website (link opens in new window) or can e-mail the Commission (link opens in email app) or write to the Commission at:
The Review Officer (Mansfield)
LGBCE
PO Box 133
Blyth
NE24 9FE.