Boundary Commission Results – what does it really mean for Hersham?

By | January 12, 2016

Electoral review of Elmbridge: Final recommendations

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published its final recommendations on the future ward boundary arrangements for Elmbridge Borough Council. An interactive map of final recommendations is available at https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/4438.

Hersham downsized? 

The public consultation in 2015 proposed some fundamental changes leaving Hersham with just one ward covering half the area that most of us regard as Hersham. The final result of the consultation makes no significant changes to this – with the exception that a small amendment to the boundary line along the Molesey Rd means that Hersham Library is now back in Hersham.  However the following areas will not in future be in a Hersham ward:

  • the Longmore Estate
  • Whiteley Village
  • Burwood Park

….. but does it really matter?? – what do you think – we’d like to know!

For some, this news bears out the previous concerns raised by the HRA about the future identify and sense of belonging that people will attach to Hersham. (See our HRA Autumn Newsletter 2015.)  However not everyone will have this view,  where do you stand on this – we would REALLY like to hear to help us gauge opinion.  If you have any strong views – or if you feel apathetic about all this we would like to  hear from you at info@hershamresidents.info     – many thanks.

Further details

A summary of the Commission’s report setting out the final recommendations and a full copy of the report is available on, http://www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/south-east/surrey/elmbridge.

The new arrangement means that each of the new wards will have three councillors.   It is expected the new arrangements will be implemented at the local elections in May 2016.

The new wards which will be encroaching on Hersham are;

– Weybridge St George’s Hill, now extended east to cover part of the old Hersham South ward
– Oatlands and Burwood Park, combining the old Oatlands Park ward with the other part of the old Hersham South ward
– Esher ward will include the Longmore Estate

You might want to see HRA’s Response to the Local Government Boundary Commission consultation.

Maintaining Hersham’s identity?

The HRA feel that Hersham’s sense of identify is important – and following these boundary changes we would hope to play an even more important role in trying to maintain people’s perception of Hersham as a village community.  On the other hand it has been suggested that Hersham’s longer term sense of place and status alongside neighbouring Esher and Walton could only really be secured by the formation of Hersham’s own Parish / community council.
If you have any views on this, again we would be interested to hear from you at:info@hershamresidents.info

 

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