Issue - meetings

The Principle Solicitor presented the Polling Places Review 2018 and in so doing explained that Officers had undertaken this review following receipt of requests to consider using alternative premises as polling stations in place of Abbeydale First School and Roman Way First School.  A number of alternative locations had been visited by Officers, including Winyates Barn, St Andrews Church, Willow Trees Children’s Centre, the Health Centre in Church Hill and the YMCA, some of which already hosted polling stations.  Officers had identified some issues with both the existing locations where polling stations were situated and with the proposed alternatives.

Members discussed the proposals further and noted the following:

·                Limited parking availability at a number of the alternative locations, particularly St Andrews Church and Winyates Barn.

·                Problems with access to the health centre, which had limited capacity on the ground floor but no lift access to the first floor.

·                The difficulties that would be caused for parents if the Willow Trees Children’s Centre was closed for the day in order to accommodate two polling stations.

·                The difficulties experienced by pupils, parents and teachers at Abbeywood First School and Roman Way First School on election days and the need to minimise disruption.

RECOMMENDED that

no changes be made to the polling places for the electors in Polling District CHB and Polling District WIB.