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Carlsson-Hyslop, Dan

From: Jan Tapp Sent: 19 October 2017 13:11To: reviewsSubject: ConsultationAttachments: Consultation on Garden Quarter ward Jan.doc

Good afternoon I have tried a dozen times to upload my views in a Word document to the consultation re the Garden Quarter ward in Chester, Cheshire. The website keeps repeating to reload the document but doesn't explain why. I enclose my submission here. Please tell me if my submission is acceptable in this format or what to do next. Thank you Regards Janet Tapp

Member of the public

Consultation on Garden Quarter ward 'The pattern of wards should reflect the interests and identities of local communities as well as promoting effective local government' I submit my views as a resident of the Garden Quarter since 2002, with professional involvement in the University and local school for many years before that, an active member of the Garden Quarter Association, and as a governor of Bluecoat CE Primary School. The Garden Quarter is a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community, which must under no circumstances be divided. It is the focus of most student housing in Chester and thus has a unique character. The GQA was set up to bring together all residents, temporary or permanent, and we are proud to say that it is an overwhelming success. People check on their neighbours, young or elderly, and we have now achieved our aim of bringing together every strand of the area - the churches, pubs, businesses, students and the union, school and PTA, scouts, elderly care homes, Bridge Foyer - the list is endless. The whole area is like a giant spider's web, interlinked and mutually supportive. As Chair of Teaching and Learning Committee, Early Years, and Community Governor, I suggest that the proposals will impact negatively on our school. I was involved originally in the set up of the new school, and our drive was always to be at the heart of the community. The original job advert for our new Head Teacher set out to attract candidates who would appreciate this uniqueness. The school is now involved in every aspect of local life, and every child who attends our school is part of the Garden Quarter. Parents choose to enrol their children, and many to move into the area, because of the local community spirit. The direct access to our own local councillor has proved very effective in solving problems, and the parents and children see him frequently in school. The Garden Quarter works - as simple as that. People who move here don't want to leave, most who visit envy the community spirit, and the local government via our councillor is hugely effective. So much work by so many people will be thrown away if we are divided and our identity lost.

GARDEN QUARTER WARD: CONSULTATION I make this submission as a resident of the Garden Quarter for 15 years, an active member of the community and Treasurer of the Garden Quarter Association. A lot of hard work, by many people, has gone in to making the GQ a marvellous place to live. We have a diverse population and, over the years, the various strands have been pulled together to make this a unique and vibrant community that is self-supporting. What has helped to bring the community together are the various events/festivals that have been held over the years. If the GQ lost its identity then it would be very difficult to attract grants from the likes of the National Lottery to fund these activities. As an example, 3 years ago, we received a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to commemorate the start of the First World War and this enabled us to put on a 10 day festival which involved all parts of the community. This funding would not be received if the GQ was split. With no funding to stage these cohesive events the community and the spirit that is now so evident would disappear. Our needs are specific and unique to Chester and warrant a ward to reflect them. By all means add to the existing ward on the basis of 'the more the merrier' but don't destroy our identity that is cherished, valued and envied far wider than the existing ward boundary. In a democracy any changes should serve the community and not be administratively convenient. Roy Tapp

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Email: 23 October 2017

Submission re Garden Ward Chester

The Garden Ward that embraces the community of the Garden Quarter is unique.

It has a recognisable quality in that comprises an eclectic mix of residents that have a

common purpose.

The residents of all ages have, over several years, become a self-supporting body that

provides cultural and social benefits, not only for itself but also for the wider

community of Chester.

The Quarter community has a taken on initiatives to extend the hand of friendship to

the burgeoning student population with "Welcome Weekend", involving them in

cleanup operations, and generally encouraging them to feel part of the community.

The Ward community has promoted and helped deliver new play facilities at Water

Tower Gardens and developed a Natural Play Area and Pocket Park on Cheyney

Road.

In collaboration with The Uniting Church in Garden Lane, popular film nights,

Screen on the Lane, are part of the cultural scene. Christmas sees the residents

organising Christmas in The Quarter, at the local Anglican Church, St Thomas’.

The scope and range of activities is extensive.

We have enjoyed the support and service of dedicated local councillors and the

benefits of this show in the way small projects have been funded, thanks to their

Community Budgets.

To break up the Ward and include it in Blacon would destroy this unique and

working bond.

Blacon is a significantly different area with its own needs and to have part of the

Garden Ward allocated to Blacon would actually leave that section feeling

disenfranchised, as the focus of political activity would be Blacon.

The Garden Ward is strong because of its community spirit and its political

representation, irrespective of political persuasion.

Boundary lines can be drawn to "balance" electorates, but new boundary lines will

break up the cohesion of a strong community.

The Garden Ward is more than a name; it is a living, active, vital community that

serves its residents well.

Annotation 1: Little Sutton shopping area

Annotation 2: Extent of Little Sutton addresses in ward

Annotation 3: Extent of Great Sutton addresses in ward

Annotation 4: Rivacre Valley

Annotation 5: Little Sutton Railway Stn

Annotation 9: Great Sutton shops

Cheshire West and Chester

Personal Details:

Name: Robert Taylor

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I've sketched some key features of the proposed 'Great Sutton' ward on the map. The northwest section of the ward (north of Parklands) has Little Sutton post addresses and includes a sizable part of the Little Sutton shopping area. The south of the ward has Great Sutton addresses and includes the much smaller shopping area and hall in the centre of Great Sutton. So I think neither Great Sutton or Little Sutton describe the whole ward well. An possible alternative would be to name the ward Rivacre after the Rivacre Valley - a sizable portion of which runs through the heart of the ward. Before 2008 the Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council ward in this area was also called Rivacre. (The main downside to this is that the Rivacre Valley also extends further north into the proposed Netherpool Ward where it gives its name to Rivacre Road).

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1: Little Sutton shopping area

2: Extent of Little Sutton addresses in ward

3: Extent of Great Sutton addresses in ward

4: Rivacre Valley

9: Great Sutton shops

5: Little Sutton Railway Stn

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database rights 2013.

Annotation 1: Proposed ward: Riverside and Burton

Annotation 2: Proposed ward: Neston and Little Neston

Annotation 6: Proposed ward: Parkgate and Neston North

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Annotation 9:

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Personal Details:

Name: Robert Taylor

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There's a lot of different places and communities lumped together in the draft Neston and Parkgate Ward - so the 3 single-seat ward scheme I've mapped here intends to give them more localised representation. Parkgate and Neston North would have 4,415 electors in 2023 (variance +9.6%). Neston and Little Neston would have 4,408 electors in 2023 (variance +9.5%). Riverside and Burton would have 4,386 electors (variance +8.9%). Each of the 3 CWAC wards would be subdivided into Neston Town Council wards (indicated by lines drawn on the map). Parkgate and Neston North would include a Parkgate TC ward and a Neston North TC ward. Neston and Little Neston would include a Neston TC ward and a Little Neston TC ward. Riverside and Burton would include a Riverside TC ward, a Ness TC ward and the unparished area of Burton. Town council wards would have the following 2023 electorates and town councillors: Parkgate 2,846 (4 town councillors). Neston North 1,569 (2 town councillors) Neston 2,051 (3 town councillors) Little Neston 2,357 (3 town councillors) Riverside 3,045 (4 town councillors) Ness 765 (1 town councillor) Making a total of 17 town councillors - the same number as at the moment. I think this scheme gives the different areas a much more local voice - and only combines communities where there are good local links. Where a new subdivision has been necessary between Neston and Neston North, a line has been chosen which keeps closely connected neighbourhoods together.

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1: Proposed ward: Riverside and Burton

2: Proposed ward: Neston and Little Neston

6: Proposed ward: Parkgate and Neston North

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Annotation 1: Roads known as 'the Groves'

Annotation 2: Whitbyheath

Annotation 3: Whitby Park

Annotation 4: Groves Ward (pre-2008)


Personal Details:

Name: Robert Taylor

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I've drawn features on the map which relate to the two Whitby wards. Whitbyheath open land is in the southern ward (and associated housing could be in either). The roads known as the Groves are also in the southern ward. The old Groves Ward (boundary line is approximate) was somewhat larger but in the same area. None of these names refer unambiguously to features in the more northern ward. A major feature in the more northern ward is Whitby Park - and I suggest 'Whitby Park' would be an excellent name for that ward. The southern ward is more problematic - neither the Groves or Whitbyheath names have an association with the areas east of Stanney Woods. You could use a long name like 'Whitby South & Groves' but I suggest a clear and concise alternative would be 'Whitby South'.

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1: Roads known as 'the Groves'

2: Whitbyheath

4: Groves Ward (pre-2008)

3: Whitby Park


Annotation 1: Your addition to Willaston and Thornton Ward (LK1 part)


Personal Details:

Name: Robert Taylor

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As a resident of Willaston & Thornton, on balance I would like to support your addition to the ward which I've drawn on the map. Although this area is considered part of Little Sutton, it is very close to Childer Thornton. Heath Lane provides a link to both Childer Thornton and Willaston - and it shares traffic and other issues associated with it. The southern border along the railway line is a natural border.

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1: Your addition to Willaston and Thornton Ward (LK1 part)



Personal Details:

Name: Rachel Taylor

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I would like you to give serious reconsideration to the proposed redrawing of the boundaries. I would ask you not to split, in essence not to divide what is already an established community known as the Garden Quarter. For you to divide the Garden Quarter would mean the ending of a distinct community and its name. The redrawing of the boundary would mean we would no longer have a focused councillor to represent us over issues such as rubbish and on road parking, and many other important issues which arise in today's communities; is this fair or right? One of the main reasons we bought into the Garden Quarter with our now seven month old baby boy, was because of its known family community, rare I know but so worthwhile in todays society. Occasions like this do not call for lines just to be redrawn with no thought for what happens to the community where we have homes (not just houses), sometimes some thought needs to be given to the families, couples (young and old) and the young students who are starting out on a new way of life. The Garden Quarter is and should remain an established community which both it and the people who live in it request, we deserve to have better treatment than simply to be redrawn on a map.

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From: Claire ThamesSent: 09 October 2017 08:31To: reviewsSubject: New boundaries

Good morning, I have just seen a poster online regarding the new boundary proposals and would like to share my view. I currently live on and would rather remain a resident of Little Sutton than of Great Sutton. Everyone I have spoken to is of the same opinion. I believe taking the boundaries as far as is too far, as we are two roads away from "Little Sutton Train Station" and live right next to "Little Sutton shops". It appears that people on the same housing estate would live in Little Sutton, whilst we would not. I think it's important to remain part of the village as it's very much a sense of community and identity. I am proud to live in Little Sutton and would rather it remain that way. Many thanks for reading my email. Kind regards, Claire Thames

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From: Ss Tt Sent: 07 October 2017 11:54To: reviewsSubject: Garden Quarter, Chester 9255

Hello, I am writing with regards to the proposed boundary changes to the north of Chester. I live in in Chester, which residents consider to be in the Garden Quarter of the city. The recommended boundary review splits this area and fractures the local identity. Physically the street and area to the west of the canal is closer to the vibrant Garden Quarter and university then it is to Blacon. As a community, the Garden Quarter is active and united. We have a shared small park, hold street parties and our children attend Blue Coat school. I believe the split would be detrimental to our community values, which are liberal and distinctive to the area. We our proud of our history, our name, our community and industrial links and we have a shared sense of purpose in local community meetings. I vote in the garden quarter. My doctor is there, as is my local pub and hairdressers. I urge you to reconsider using the canal as boundary and ask that you use the A580 as a more natural and common sense boundary. We have spent years crafting our identity. Please don't carve it up. Sincerely S. Thomas

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From: Elizabeth Thornelow Sent: 16 October 2017 16:02To: reviewsSubject: Proposed changes to Garden Quarter ward boundary

I write regarding the Local Government Boundary Commission draft proposals for new ward boundaries for CWAC. As residents of the Garden Quarter we object to the proposal to divide the current ward along the line of the Shropshire Union Canal. The canal may look like a convenient dividing line on a map but it is in fact a unifying feature for the local community. Many local residents from both sides of the canal have worked together in recent years to further develop the unique identity of the Garden Quarter. Individuals and community groups have had one councillor to contact regarding any local issues.. The councillor has had a cohesive area to represent. Councillors with responsibility for part of Blacon as well as an area more closely linked to the city centre would be dealing with a much wider range of issues. For example the University of Chester and the large amount of student accommodation is obviously a major issue for the Garden Quarter but not for Blacon. My husband was born and brought up in and we lived in before moving to our current address in . Whilst now being a little further from the centre of the Garden Quarter we are regular users of local businesses in Garden Lane and see ourselves as members of the local community. I would urge you to look at the alternative proposal for a two member ward centred on the canal basin and the University. Liz Thornelow

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From: Michael Tomlinson Sent: 29 October 2017 15:00To: reviewsSubject: BOUNDARY CHANGES: LACHE,/WESTMINSTER PARK/OVERLIEGH/CHESTER SOUTH, Cheshire

West and Chester.

Dear Sir, Thank you for taking the time to read my submission on the proposed boundary changes on the Lache, Westminster Park and Overleigh wards of Chester South. I have read the draft proposals and entirely agree with your findings. Speaking to neighbours and those with children who will be entering the school system there is a real positivity in the air about these proposals. Those with pre‐school children are especially excited as they believe that with these changes, they will no longer be disadvantaged when applying for school places. The belief is that this may lead to a much fairer allocation of places. It can only be good for social mobility and community cohesion. Treated as one entity, areas of Chester South will no longer be disadvantaged or marginalised. A new three councillor ward is without doubt the correct path to take. Thank you again. Mike Tomlinson LLB Hons

8/30/2017 Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal

https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/10252 1/1


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Name: robert Tomlinson

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Whilst I agree with the suggested boundary changes I thought that part of the process was to ensure that the revised wards represented similar villagetypes etc. I do not think the proposed Elton and Mickle Trafford Ward meets this criteria however as Elton is very much an urban/industrial typeneighbourhood whereas the other population centres such as Guilden Sutton ,Gt Barrow and Mickle Trafford are very rural. I don't think this represents agood balance I think the proposed ward up the the A5117 boundary is very well thought out but the Northern section ie Elton/Ince needs furtherconsideration .May I suggest the Northern section is linked to a similar area such as Ellesmere Port I appreciate this will represent a re drawing of theproposed boundaries but I do feel it is essential that we do achieve balanced wards

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Personal Details:

Name: Linda Tompkins

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Garden Quarter ward, Chester I write to lodge my objection to your recommendation to split the existing Garden Quarter ward into two and effectively destroy its identity. The Garden Quarter is a particularly strong and cohesive community and much effort has been made to ensure that this was reflected in ward status. The name Garden Quarter is highly significant and reflects the spirit and essence of our community. The values of the Garden Quarter are distinct as are many of the issues that face us, such as HMO’s, on street parking and environment. It is vital that our ward reflects our distinctive community, our name and identity and provides us with appropriate political representation and accountability. The loss of the Garden Quarter ward would be completely against your stated aim ‘The Pattern of wards should reflect the interests and identities of local communities as well as promoting effective local government’.

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Personal Details:

Name: Roger Tompkins

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Comment text:

Garden Quarter ward, Chester I write to lodge my objection to your recommendation to split the existing Garden Quarter ward into two and effectively destroy its identity. The Garden Quarter is a particularly strong and cohesive community and much effort has been made to ensure that this was reflected in ward status. The name Garden Quarter is highly significant and reflects the spirit and essence of our community. The values of the Garden Quarter are distinct as are many of the issues that face us, such as HMO’s, on street parking and environment. It is vital that our ward reflects our distinctive community, our name and identity and provides us with appropriate political representation and accountability. The loss of the Garden Quarter ward would be completely against your stated aim ‘The Pattern of wards should reflect the interests and identities of local communities as well as promoting effective local government’.

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From: Dylan Topham Sent: 06 November 2017 07:29To: reviewsSubject: Cheshire West and Chester Boundary Chages.

Dear whom it may concern, I am not happy with the boundary changes that have been put forward in regards to the Garden Quarter and other seats in the Authority. Splitting the Garden Quarter, of which I am a resident into two separate council seats seems to me non‐sensical, the area has its own identity and character which face different challenges from Blacon and City Ward. A lot of the students who currently live in the Garden Quarter are unlikely to have visited Blacon and so the fact that they will share an elected councillor with this area will harm both areas as they vote for different candidates to do different jobs negatively affecting one area or the other. I would like it to be known that I think the Garden Quarter ward should remain as it has previously been which has shown to be successful. Yours sincerely Dylan Topham

10/30/2017 Local Government Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal

https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/10804 1/1


Personal Details:

Name: Ric Turnock

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The proposal to remove the area of the current Garden Quarter Ward approximately bounded by Whipcord Lane/Shropshire Union Canal/River Dee andassign it to an enlarged Blacon ward appears to be for the sole purpose of marginally increasing the constituent:councillor ratio in Blacon from forecast3420:1 to 4093:1. This would be achieved through effectively disenfranchising the constituents of this part of the Garden Quarter Area by transferringtheir representation to an area from which they are physically separated by the Greyhound Retail Park, Blacon Meadows and the very busy Deva LinkRoad. The social demography of the two areas are quite distinct with Blacon having a relatively stable population whilst the nature of the Garden Quarteris that it has a population that experiences significant 'churn' on account of the high level of private rented accommodation, the student population andthe relative affordability of most of the private housing that characterises the area- this creates a completely different set of issues for those representingthe local population in this part of the current Garden Quarter to those representing Blacon. The proposal appears to make a false assumption that thelocal community is divided by the Shropshire Union Canal whereas in fact this is a unifying factor providing a central resource for leisure and recreation,and is an important factor in defining the historic character of the single community that exists across both of its banks. The current Garden Quarter hasa national reputation for the exceptional level of community activity within its boundary (the current ward name being a manifestation of the strong localidentity this community activity has given the area) which is driven by and engages with a broad spectrum of the community living on either side of theproposed artificial divide that the Boundary Commission is proposing. It is also important that political representation is effective in its engagement withthe principle institutions in a local area, for the residents of the whole of the Garden Quarter this means effective representation in dealing with the fastdeveloping University which exerts a massive social, economic and environmental impact upon the whole of the area. The impact of the University oncommunity life in Blacon is marginal and is likely to be peripheral to the priorities of Blacon councillors who will instead be much exercised by the localsocial housing provider and neighbourhood management company, institutions with little relevance to the life of those in the area of the Garden Quarter itis proposed to transfer to Blacon Ward. In conclusion my ideal solution would be to retain a single-seat Garden Quarter Ward, which with a forecastelectorate of 3671 would appear to be a viable proposition, however if it is construed this constitutes a degree of over-representation then amalgamationinto the proposed three-seat City of Chester Ward which shares many of the issues with the Garden Quarter is vastly preferable to effectively beingunrepresented in a three-seat Blacon Ward and reduces the risk of dissipation of the community energy and political engagement that characterises thecurrent Garden Quarter Ward.

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