The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) is reviewing the electoral arrangements for Northumberland and has just published its draft proposals
There is a major implication for the grouped parish of Brinkburn ( currently in Shilbottle Ward) & Hesleyhurst (currently Rothbury Ward) with a proposal that they be moved into the Longhorsley Ward.
The Parish Council is currently considering its position on this matter and will be making a submission to the LGBCE in due course. Members do have concerns as to the impact this change will have on the grouped Parish which has always aligned itself to Coquetdale and Longframlington. For example, currently, there are some key alignments such as schools and community health provision, local amenities and community facilities, the Coquetdale Cluster Group of parishes, the formal links for emergency provision with both Rothbury and Longframlington Parish Councils, the joint burial arrangements with Rothbury and Longframlington cemeteries, and the support we receive from the North Northumberland Highways Department. It is unclear how these relationships will be affected by such a change.
Below is the LGBCE report and the Commission is asking for comments on their proposals by 10 July 2023. If you wish to comment then please send your comments to both the Parish Clerk (details at the bottom of the page) and the Northumberland County Council Elections Office (details below*). If you need assistance with electorate figures or maps, The Elections Office will be happy to provide these for you. You can also find out further details and submit comments via the LGBCE website at Northumberland | LGBCE
* Mark Crawford, Elections Office, Northumberland County Council, County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF. Telephone: 01670 624811 Website: www.northumberland.gov.uk
