Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

The Chairman proposed that the 8 proposed changes where there was a consensus amongst the committee be considered first.

It was the consensus of opinion that the changes to the following 8 polling districts be agreed as per the report:

·         Buckland District Ward and Whitfield District Ward

·         Maxton and Elms Vale District Ward and Town and Castle District Ward

·         St Radigund’s District Ward

·         Tower Hamlets District Ward

·         Eastry Rural District Ward

·         Middle Deal District Ward

·         Sandwich District Ward

·         Eythorne and Shepherdswell District Ward

Members debated the proposals for the remaining polling district (North Deal) with Councillor B Gardner proposing the addition of a Portacabin or the use of the Chequers Pub as an alternative to the proposed polling station.

The Chief Executive advised that the Sholden area that would form part of the new North Deal Ward agreed as part of the recent Electoral Review contained approximately 130 electors, a significant number (30-40%) of which had a postal vote. The cost of hiring a portacabin that met the requirements of the Council made it an impracticable option and the Chequers Pub had been investigated as a potential polling station but determined to be unsuitable for the Council’s needs.

The proposed polling station (Golf Road Centre) was actually closer for voters in the Sholden part of North Deal than their previous polling station had been.

On being put to the vote it was agreed that the North Deal District Ward polling district be agreed as per the report.

RESOLVED:       That it be recommended to Council that the proposed Polling District, Polling Places and Polling Stations Scheme be agreed as set out in the report.