FURTHER TO THE INFORMATION PUBLISHED ON THIS MATTER (which will be found directly below this message), WE URGE YOU TO READ THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE AND MAKE YOUR RESPONSE TO THE PARISH COUNCIL.
The Parish Council (PC) is in the process of consulting on and considering the proposed electoral boundary changes for Brinkburn & Hesleyhurst (BHP) which will place the joint parish in the Longhorsley Division. All those we know who have expressed a view about this are strongly in opposition.
The PC is minded to recommend an alternative proposal to the Boundary Commission and that is for Brinkburn Parish to join with Hesleyhurst within the Rothbury Division.
There are many arguments for Brinkburn being within the Rothbury Division as our natural affinity is with Coquetdale. The Boundary Commission proposal appears to be purely concerned with electoral equality across the County and takes little cognizance of our current socioeconomic situation, our strong cultural and community identity, community provision, and effective local government.
The PC believes that a move into the Longhorsley division would have a detrimental impact on our daily lives, This includes our:
- Relationship and position as an important part of Coquetdale; historically, culturally, and socially. Topographically BHP lies within the Coquet Valley.
- Health, Care & Well-being services. Our doctors and other health services are mostly situated in Rothbury.
- Schools and Education. Nursery and first-school provision for many of our families are provided in Coquetdale.
- Shopping and community provision which for many is centered around Rothbury
- Links with the National Park.
- Highways provision. The B6344 is the spine that runs the length of the Coquet Valley which s maintained by NCC Northern Highways
- For those who work locally, this is mostly within the Coquet Valley
- Local government, the County Councillor for Rothbury strongly supports the people of Coquetdale. Local Government in the Longhorsley Division has few links if any with Coquetdale. Brinkburn & Hesleyhurst Parish Council is an active member of the Coquetdale Cluster of Parishes
The Council is still gathering evidence and wants to hear your views which will be considered when making their response to the commission.
If you would like to make your voice heard as part of the parish's response please send comments before Monday 19th June to
Garth Rhodes, Clerk to Brinkburn & Hesleyhurst Parish Council
5 Wardle Terrace, Longframlington, Morpeth, NE65 8AB
Email: Clerk@Brinkburn.net
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Original Post
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
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