Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report seeks the views of the Area Committee on the current polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District review currently underway.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Caroline Cooke on 0161 474 3173 or email: caroline.e.cooke@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the views of the Area Committee on the current polling arrangements within the Area Committee area in order to inform the Polling District review.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Wentworth Drive, off Wool Lane, was in the Cheadle and Gatley Ward (polling district AA).  As it was a cul-de-sac with its only access off Old Wool Lane which is in Cheadle Hulme North Ward, a Member enquired whether it could be transferred to the Cheadle Hulme North Ward (polling district CF).

·         There were more polling places in the southern part of the Heald Green Ward than in the northern part. Voters living off Styal Road and St. Ann’s Road North (polling district DA) had much less easy access to polling places than voters living elsewhere in the Ward.

·         Wheelchair access to the polling place at the corner of Bradshaw Hall Lane, Heald Green (polling district DE) was challenging due to the use of a temporary building with a steep ramp and this may discourage some disabled or elderly people who had not registered for a postal vote from voting.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the comments of the Area Committee be forwarded to the Returning Officer for her consideration.