Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The report requests the views of the Committee on the current proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District Review currently underway.

The views of the Area Committee are sought on the proposed polling arrangements. Any comments or suggestions will then be considered, together with those received via the public consultation (Stage 1 and Stage 2).  Revised proposals will be brought back to the Area Committee cycle in October 2022 for consideration prior to a final report being considered by the Cabinet Meeting on 1 November 2022 and the Council Meeting on 17 November 2022.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the views of the committee on the current proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District Review currently underway.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was asked whether there was scope to do work at CE6 (sports club) to become the new ‘main’ polling station for the Cheadle Heath side of the Cheadle East & Cheadle Heath North CE area, as opposed to using CE4 (Salvation Army Church) as the main polling station.

·         It was noted that some parts of Cheadle Hulme North would move into Cheadle Hulme South, and the proposed polling station for the area was Immanuel Church. Concerns were raised over the walking distance from residents living at the far end of Cheadle Road being expected to walk a mile/ mile and a half to the polling station.

·         Similarly, in relation to Styal Road moving into the Heald Green area, concerns were raised over the walking distance from residents living at the far end of Styal Road being expected to walk to Brown Lane to the polling station.

·         It was noted that mobile polling stations were not very accessible for wheelchair users.

RESOLVED – That the Chief Executive be requested to consider the comments of the Area Committee as part of the current Polling District Review.