New political map for Mid Sussex District Council planned

A new pattern of wards is being drawn up for Mid Sussex District Council as the number of elected representatives is due to be reduced from 54 to 48.
Mid Sussex Balcombe Viaduct. Pic by Steve RobardsMid Sussex Balcombe Viaduct. Pic by Steve Robards
Mid Sussex Balcombe Viaduct. Pic by Steve Robards

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is reviewing Mid Sussex to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors and ward arrangements help the council work effectively.

It is consulting the public until the end of May to ensure its proposals reflect community ties and identities.

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Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: “We want people in Mid Sussex to help us.

“We are starting to draw up new wards for Mid Sussex. We want our proposals for new electoral arrangements to reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process.

“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.

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“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 is interested in views on which communities should be part of the same ward. What facilities do people share, such as parks, leisure centres or schools and shopping areas? What issues do neighbouring communities face that they have in common, such as high numbers of visitors or heavy traffic? Have there been new housing or commercial developments that have changed the focus of communities? And are there roads, rivers, railways or other features that people believe form strong boundaries between neighbourhoods?

The commission will use these views to help it draw up proposals for new ward boundaries. There will be a further round of consultation once the commission has drawn up those proposals.

Visit https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/25848

People can also give their views by e-mail at [email protected], and by post: The Review Officer (Mid Sussex), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE.