The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people in Whaley Bridge and other parts of the area help draw up a new pattern of council wards for High Peak Borough Council.

After a six-week public consultation, the Commission has announced that it is ‘minded’ to recommend that the council should have 43 councillors in the future, as now.

But what should the wards that elect these councillors be like?

Max Caller, chair of the Commission, said:  “As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters. Your views will make a difference.”

Local people have until 7 January 2014 to submit their views.   The types of questions the Commission is asking residents at this stage are:

Do you have suggestions about where your ward boundaries should be?

Which areas do you identify as your local community

Where do people in your area go for local facilities, shops and leisure?

What happens next?  You have until 7 January 2014 for your say. The Commission will then publish its draft recommendations in April 2014.  There will be more consultation with local people. New wards are scheduled to come into effect at the 2015 local elections.

You can have your say on the new wards by writing to:

The Review Officer (High Peak), Layden House, 76-86 Turnmill Street, London EC1M 5LG

Email: reviews@lgbce.org.uk

 Link to dedicated web page for the High Peak electoral review at: here