Meeting To Discuss Wimbledon Boundary Plans

Air your views on proposed constituency changes

A meeting is taking place tonight (Monday October 17) to discuss the proposed shake-up of MPs' boundaries which is set to divide Wimbledon across two seats.

The Boundary Commission proposals move much of the existing Wimbledon constituency into a new seat, also covering New Malden.

But two wards in the current Wimbledon seat will be moved into a new Mitcham constituency, under the proposals published last month.

The overhaul could see England's 533 seats reduced to 502, with 90% of London constituencies being changed. The capital's 73 constituencies could be reduced to 68.

Their report said as Kingston was considered two small for two constituencies, it proposes taking seven Kingston wards and seven Merton wards and merging them into a new Wimbledon and New Malden constituency.

Meanwhile the current Wimbledon wards of Abbey and Trinity would be moved to a new Mitcham constituency, where they would be joined by Streatham South ward, alongside Mitcham wards.

The Abbey and Trinity wards cover much of Wimbledon town centre, including the New Wimbledon Theatre, the former Wimbledon Town Hall, the Centre Court Shopping Centre and Wimbledon station.

There has been some criticism about Wimbledon town centre being divided across two constituencies and local councillors have organised a meeting to discuss the proposals. It is understood alternative propositions will be put to the Boundary Commission.

Trinity borough councillor Krystal Miller said: "Effectively people are worried that lobbying on issues affecting the town centre will be almost impossible as you will have two MPs with two different agendas."

The meeting takes place in the Methodist church hall (junction of Merton Rd and Griffiths Rd), 7.30-9.00pm tonight (Monday October 17).

  • The Boundary Commission for England reviews Parliamentary constituency boundaries every five years.
  • In this review they were taking account of new rules that every constituency in England (except two covering the Isle of Wight) must have an electorate of between 72,810 and 80,473 - that is 5% either side of the electoral quota of 76,641. The new constituencies are likely to be the ones used for the next election which is currently expected to be in 2015.
  • They are consulting on their initial proposals for a 12-week period, from now until December 5. They are encouraging everyone to contribute to the design of the new constituencies. There will also be public hearings to discuss the changes.
  • The consultation site at www.consultation.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk contains reports and maps, the electorate sizes of every ward and an online facility where you can have your say on the initial proposals. You can also write directly to: Boundary Commission for England, 35 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BQ. Or email london@bcommengland.x.gsi.gov.uk.

What do you think? Why not add to the boundary thread on our forum?

October 17, 2011
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