11 September 2018

PRESS RELEASE

Hayle proposes a solution to Cornwall Council boundary dispute

Hayle Town Council says it has created a new proposal that would resolve a dispute over boundary changes proposed for Cornwall Council.

The council opposes the current proposal by the boundary commission which would see the creation of a small ward covering much of Hayle and a larger one covering Gwinear-Gwithian and eastern Hayle, arguing that it would split the area’s largest town into two and leave an unmanageably huge area for the councillor covering Gwinear-Gwithian to cover. This, argues Mayor Clive Polkinghorne, would leave large numbers of people bereft of effective representation on Cornwall Council.

Hayle Town Council has now revised its original proposal to split the area on North-South lines to enable Connor Downs to remain in a single ward, with Hayle North/Gwithian having 5,338 people and Hayle South/Gwinear 5,453. Hayle Town Council has written to the Boundary Commission with this revised proposal.

Mayor of Hayle Clive Polkinghorne says: “The people of Hayle are strongly opposed to the Boundary Commission’s plans to effectively split the town into two. We are very aware of the strong feelings of people in Connor Downs who also want a single councillor representing them and we have revised our proposal to accommodate that.

“We believe this north-south split represents a much better outcome for ALL people in the area, ensuring that the two Cornwall Council wards are of a similar geographical size and with virtually identical populations. We urge the Boundary Commission and Cornwall Council to adopt our proposal – and for people across the area to write in support of what is by far the most feasible and practical outcome for everyone.”

To interview Mayor Clive Polkinghorne, call 01736 753020.

Notes to editors

The current proposals for Cornwall Council boundary changes can be found at https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/9428. While the population split is roughly even, the huge geographical area in the Gwinear, Gwithian and Hayle East Electoral District is clear.

Hayle Town Council proposed a north-south split which retained the 50:50 split of the population while matching the size of the electoral districts to ensure the possibility of fair and effective representation on Cornwall Council for all.

Maps to support these proposals are attached.