Local boundary changes proposed

The Local Government Boundary Commission are asking local people and organisations to comment on draft recommendations for new ward boundaries across East Herts District Council.

The Commission is the independent body that draws local ward and constituency boundaries. It is reviewing East Hertfordshire to make sure town and district councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.

It is proposing that the district should continue to be represented by 50 councillors but the number of wards cut by four to 26.

Hertford's four wards of Sele, Castle, Bengeo and Kingsmead currently elect 10 councillors.

The proposed changes would see the boundaries of Kingsmead and Bengeo moved to take in some areas of the current Castle Ward. 

Kingsmead Ward would be enlarged westwards to take in Villiers Street, Townshend Street, Talbot Street and parts of Railway Street, along with Caxton Hill, Newland Gardens, Park Road, Stanley Road, Brookside and parts of Ware Road.

Bengeo Ward would be expanded south to include Sele Road, Riversmeet and parts of Hertingfordbury Road.

Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: "We want people in East Hertfordshire to help us. We have drawn up proposals for new wards in East Herts Council. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

"Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions.

"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 see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of wards and their boundaries https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/29963.

Whilst the wards have geographical names, they are political structures that do not necessarilly reflect the areas they are named after.