Boundary Review 2018 - 2nd blog

In my previous blog I had attempted my own boundary proposals for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent but was very pleased to find the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) initial proposals are better than mine.

I had missed a trick at the border of South Staffordshire and Stafford that enabled a better arrangement for the constituencies further North. Nevertheless I do think the constituencies of West Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent South and Stoke-on-Trent North can be further improved.

I have submitted a detailed comment to the BCE consultation and a spreadsheet showing my recommended changes but I just reproduce the highlights here.

Movement of Abbey Hulton & Townsend ward from Stoke-on-Trent North to Stoke-on-Trent South:

I think this ward belongs in Stoke-on-Trent South because of community similiarities and geographical proximity to Eaton Park and Bentilee & Ubberley wards. Before the most recent local government review of Stoke-on-Trent wards Townsend and Bentilee were in the same ward. Abbey Hulton & Townsend is also separated from neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent North wards by the river Trent, the A5009 and Carmountside cemetery.

Movement of Dresden & Florence ward from West Staffordshire to Stoke-on-Trent South:

I think this ward belongs in Stoke-on-Trent South because of close association, especially historically, with the town of Longton. Although the A50 separates it now, it is an urban area more in keeping with a Stoke-on-Trent ward than a West Staffordshire one. Quite significantly 5 of the 6 towns of Stoke-on-Trent each have a park which has been there for many years. Longton's park is Queen's Park, despite this being in Dresden and a little distant from the centre of Longton. So it is desireable that this ward be grouped with Broadway & Longton East ward containing the centre of Longton.   

Movement of Hanley Park & Shelton ward from Stoke-on-Trent South to Stoke-on-Trent North:

I think this ward belongs in Stoke-on-Trent North because Hanley Park in the ward belongs with Hanley.

Movement of Joiner's Square ward from Stoke-on-Trent South to Stoke-on-Trent North:

I think this ward belongs in Stoke-on-Trent North because of its geographical proximity to the centre of Hanley and especially as a combined movement with Hanley Park & Shelton ward. The river Trent separates this ward from neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent South wards.

Movement of Springfields & Trent Vale ward from Stoke-on-Trent South to West Staffordshire:

This ward can I think reasonably be in either constituency and I admit the main reason to move it is to make the electorate numbers work given that the other three suggested ward movements have strong recommendations. Springfields & Trent Vale ward is far enough from the centre of Stoke to not have to be included in Stoke. It also links well with Hanford & Trentham via the A34 corridor.