No call to oppose boundary changes

MEMBERS of Royston Town Council have decided not to oppose ward boundary changes. This is despite urging the Boundary Committee for England not to make changes when members looked at the original proposals several months ago. The Boundary Committee has re

MEMBERS of Royston Town Council have decided not to oppose ward boundary changes.

This is despite urging the Boundary Committee for England not to make changes when members looked at the original proposals several months ago.

The Boundary Committee has rejected all suggestions from the town council over the changes which will see a new shape to the three electoral wards in Royston.

An area covering Willowside Walk and Minster Road will be transferred from the Royston Heath ward to the Royston Palace ward while properties on the north side of Barkway Road and Limekiln Close will be transferred from Royston Meridian ward to Royston Heath ward.

Originally, the town council and North Herts District Council said changes to the ward structure were not necessary.

But the Boundary Committee has said neither the town council or the district council provided evidence in support of retaining the shape of existing wards.

The Boundary Committee said the changes would mean an improved balance between the wards.

Royston's MP Oliver Heald claimed that changes would lead to "voter confusion".

But the Boundary Committee insisted that there was no "strong or compelling" argument to lead it to believe that the current boundaries should be retained.

The Electoral Commission will now look at the proposals and decide whether the new boundaries should be approved.