The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England has opened a new phase of public consultation in its review of Wandsworth’s council ward boundaries.

The consultation focuses on new proposals for borough ward boundaries in the following areas:

• East Putney
• Southfields
• Wandle
• Wandsworth Town
• West Hill

The Commission has listened to the views of the public put to it during an earlier consultation, and now proposes to change its plans. This reflects the significance of the evidence we received and also takes into account an electoral variance error which was calculated in our draft recommendations for the wards West Hill and Wandle Valley.

The Commission proposes significant changes in the central area of Wandsworth and is now accepting additional opinions and comments (submissions) from local people about the areas affected.

The Commission would also like to hear from residents in relation to the ward name for our proposed South Balham ward, as we failed to receive a clear consensus in the previous consultation. We are asking local people to let us know what their preferred name option is for this ward. The options are ‘South Balham’, ‘Heaver’ or ‘Bedford Hill’.

The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. A six-week consultation on the proposals will run until 27 July 2020.

The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Wandsworth to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.

In response to local feedback during public consultation, the Commission has made changes to some of the proposals it published in October 2019.

East Putney ward has been reconfigured to centre around East Putney underground station, after the Commission received submissions demonstrating that this is a focal point for the area and surrounding community.

The boundaries of West Hill ward have reverted back to the original warding arrangements. The Commission was persuaded by strong evidence provided by local residents which argued that the current arrangements allow for effective and convenient governance, while also accurately reflecting the local community.

Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said:

“We are publishing recommendations for a new pattern of wards in the centre of Wandsworth and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“We want people in Wandsworth to help us.

“We have drawn up proposals for new wards in the central area of Wandsworth. 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/16790

People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post:

The Review Officer for (Wandsworth)

LGBCE c/o

Innovation House

Coniston Court

Riverside Business Park

Blyth

NE24 4RP