Ward changes ditched after concerns

PROPOSED changes to the Blackwood ward have been ditched after councillors and residents voiced concerns.

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales has published its final recommendations for the future electoral arrangements for Caerphilly county borough.

In the commission’s draft proposals, it was recommended to remove Cefn Forest East from Blackwood and put it into the Cefn Fforest electoral ward.

However, this faced strong opposition from the three-county borough council Blackwood ward members and several town council members.

A petition with 536 signatures from local residents was also submitted as part of the commission’s consultation

Blackwood ward member Cllr Dix said: “I’m delighted with the commissioner’s recommendations.

“It’s important our integrity remains as a local ward.”

“I would like to thank my ward colleagues for the work they did and also to the residents who took the time to sign the petition and write individually.

“As councillors we have been proactive and making sure people are informed.”

Cllr Kevin Etheridge said: “The campaign was the community engaging as a team and I wish to thank all residents and the Boundary Commission for listening.”

What make up has the commission proposed?

The final recommendations propose a reduction in the number of council members from 73 to 69.

It is also proposed to reduce the number of electoral wards by three down to 30.

Under the proposals there would be one four-member ward, 12 threemember wards, 12 two-member wards and five one-member wards.

Eighteen wards would remain unchanged.

What are the proposed boundary changes?

Eighteen wards would remain geographically the same under the proposals. They are Abercarn, Aber Valley, Crumlin, Gilfach, Maesycwmmer, Nelson, New Tredegar, Penmaen, Pontllanfraith, Risca West, Argoed, Blackwood, Darran Valley, Morgan Jones, Penyrheol, Risca East, St Martins and Newbridge.

There would be changes in the other 12 wards.

These proposals are still subject to change.

These proposals have been submitted to the Welsh Government for final consideration.