Significant changes are proposed to the electoral map of Swindon by the time of the next local elections in 2026.
The Local Government Boundary Commission has come up with new proposal for wards in Swindon Borough.
And while the number of councillors will remain the same at 57, the current 20 wards while be divided into 24 wards, and whereas now 18 wards have three members, one has two and the last has one, there will be much less consistency.
The commissions proposals would see 12 three-member, nine two-member and three single-member wards and all but one of the 24 wards will be changed or newly created with just one, Wroughton and Wichelstowe, remaining unchanged.
In the north of the borough, Blunsdon and Highworth is broken up – a new ward of Highworth focussed on the hilltop town in created with two members, and Blunsdon becomes its own ward, which also covers Castle Eaton, having one member.
A rural, one member ward is created for South Marston, and the rest of the current ward becomes the three-member ward of Lower Stratton.
The current St Andrews ward is chopped into two two-member wards, St Andrews East and St Andrews West.
Penhill and Upper Stratton is broken up. Upper Stratton becomes its own two-member ward, while Penhill is combined with Pinehurst as a two-member ward. Gorse Hill then becomes a single-member ward.
Rodbourne Cheney will be a much smaller two-member ward than the current ward of the same name, and a new three-member ward of Rodbourne Ferndale is created from parts of the old Rodbourne Cheney and Mannington & Western.
Priory Vale and Haydon wick will remain three member wards with only minor changes.
In the West, Shaw will be redrawn but keep its name and three-member status and Lydiard & Freshbrook picks up Toothill, as will be reflected in a new name and keep three members.
South of the railway line a whole host of changes are proposed.
Wroughton and Wichelstowe will remain the same, but a new two-member ward of Chiseldon and Ridgeway could be created. The ‘Lawn’ part of the current Chiseldon and Lawn ward would go into a three-member Croft and Lawn ward, incorporating some of the Old Town ward.
Other parts of Old Town will be part of the three-member ward of Kingshill and Okus, which pick up parts of Central ward. Other parts of Central and Eastcott wards are combined in the three-member ward of Queen’s Park.
Park North and Park South are put together in one two-member ward of Parks, and a new three-member Broadgreen and East Walcot is created.
Covingham and Nythe will be a two-member ward, and Badbury Park, Eldene and Liden would have three members.
Having made the proposals, the boundary commission now want to hear the views of Swindon residents in a public consultation until September 16.
Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the commission, said: ”We want people in Swindon to help us.
“We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Swindon. 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.
“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 website where people can see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of wards and their boundaries: lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/swindon.
People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post to The Review Officer (Swindon), LGBCE, PO Box 133. Blyth NE24 9FE.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel