BRACKNELL Forest is set for a big shake-up as boundary bosses prepare to give the borough a makeover.
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has been running a review of the boundaries within the borough since January because population changes have caused “unequal levels of electoral quality” since the last investigation in 2002.
READ MORE: Why petrol station neighbours kept awake by machete attack fear more trouble
Two councillor posts could be cut as a result of the investigation, and now Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) chiefs have unveiled new ward maps which they say address the changing faces of its communities.
Ward numbers could be cut from 18 to 16 -- and only a handful of these constituencies have not have been touched by BFC in its proposed new map of the borough.
(Proposed map of Bracknell Forest)
Here are the key changes proposed by the authority’s boundary review group.
Binfield with Warfield
This existing ward could be split into two -- into Binfield and Warfield. The latter would have two councillors and would include Jealott’s Hill, Newell Green and part of Winkfield Row. The former would be represented by three councillors.
Warfield Harvest Ride
Most of the existing ward of Warfield Harvest Ride would become a new ward called Whitegrove, which also includes part of the Priestwood and Garth ward. Two candidates would be elected to serve this ward.
Winkfield and Cranbourne and Ascot
These two wards would be combined to create one large, rural constituency down the east side of Bracknell Forest called Winkfield with Ascot. It would be represented by three elected members.
Bullbrook
This ward’s name would stay same -- but new additions mean a large chunk of the town centre to the west and Martins Heron to the east would become part of this electoral area. Three councillors are planned for this ward.
Old Bracknell and Wildridings and Central
These central wards would be combined to create a new ward called Easthampstead and Wildridings. Three councillors would represent this area.
READ MORE: Here's how many people signed a petition against green bin changes
Central Sandhurst and Little Sandhurst and Wellington
Bracknell Forest Council’s leader and deputy leader represent Little Sandhurst and Wellington -- but their constituency could be absorbed into a new ‘Sandhurst’ ward which also encompasses the existing Central Sandhurst ward. Three councillors would represent this area at BFC.
Crown Wood
All of this current ward would be part of a new ward called ‘Savernake’, which would also encompass Forest Park and The Warren. Three councillors would represent Savernake.
Owlsmoor
This boundary would be re-named to Wildmoor and Owlsmoor to include the Wildmoor area of Crowthorne ward. The re-shaped constituency would have two councillors.
College Town, Crowthorne, Great Hollands North (and South), Harmans Water, Hanworth and Priestwood and Garth wards are mostly unchanged.
(Current map of Bracknell Forest)
A consultation on the warding arrangements has been running since January 7 and ends on Monday, March 16.
READ MORE: Ascot restaurant could be forced to shut early
The Boundary Review Working Group’s proposed ward map is set to be approved as Bracknell Forest Council’s recommendation at a meeting on Wednesday, March 11.
The Commission will publish its draft recommendations in June 2020 and responses can be made until 10 August 2020.
Final recommendations will be published in November 2020 and the new arrangements will take effect from the May 2023 Borough elections.
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 here