Every ten years or so, the Boundary Commission looks at local councils’ ward/ divisional boundaries, with the aim of equalising the number of voters for each councillor. This seems only right and fair, helping to ensure that all residents have the same impact, regardless of where they live.
The boundaries for Surrey County Council’s electoral divisions are currently under review. Most of our residents are in the Nork and Tattenhams electoral division, which is projected to be about 9% greater than the average for the county, a result of the many new cul de sacs and other developments. The Council is therefore recommending that, in order to balance things up somewhat, then Chetwode Road, currently part of Nork and Tattenhams, is moved into the Tadworth, Walton and Kingswood county division. Chetwode Road would be joining the Preston area to the south down as far as Preston Lane and would have the same county councillor. On a much smaller scale the boundary in Whitegate Road would also be moved, correcting an anomaly, so all these electors have the same county councillor.
Our Residents Association is relaxed as there would be no change as far as the ward boundaries of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is concerned. The borough is not part of the Boundary Commission review. Both Chetwode Road and Whitegate Way would still remain part of the Tattenham Corner and Preston ward for the borough council.
We expect the Boundary Commission to reach a preliminary decision on the boundaries this August. This decision will be subject to a final public consultation.
Just a reminder, in respect to parliament and our MP, the Nork and Tattenhams area will be leaving the Epsom constituency, and moving into the Reigate constituency at the next general election. The Preston part of our ward is already in the Reigate constituency.