New look to the county’s electoral map

CARMARTHENSHIRE will have an extra councillor from next year following a review of its electoral boundaries.

It will mean voters choosing 75 elected members at the 2022 local Government elections. But these councillors will represent 51 wards, down from the existing 58.

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales, which recommended the changes, said the aim was a more equal voter-councillor ratio than currently.

At the moment, Bynea in Llanelli has 3,135 electors and just one councillor while Cilycwm, west of Llandovery, has 1,191 electors and one councillor.

The new-look electoral map will result in a two-member Bynea ward, while an expanded Cilycwm ward will incorporate 2,178 voters.

On average, there will be 1,915 voters per councillor in the county.

Opposition leader, Cllr Rob James, said he welcomed the changes agreed by Minister for Finance and Local Government, Rebecca Evans.

The Labour group leader said: “Some communities, in particular

Bynea, have been under-represented for far too long, and we also welcome the minister’s intention to ensure there is a rolling review of the electoral boundaries and not waiting 25 years each time.”

But boundary alterations in Carmarthen have attracted criticism.

The wards of Carmarthen Town North and Carmarthen Town South currently have two councillors each. From next May these two wards will combine to form Carmarthen Town North and South, with three councillors serving it.

Carmarthen Town South councillor Gareth John, who is also Mayor of Carmarthen, claimed the change was “ill thought out”.

Cllr Morgan said: “There was staunch opposition to this proposal by members from all parties on the town council.

“The town’s population is growing, with continuous new housing developments.

“Although the South ward has a lower number of electors than the recommended level, it also includes about 300 shops and other businesses.

“Much of our time as councillors is taken up in attending to their issues.”

He claimed the commission “totally ignored” this aspect of their work.

The commission said it considered proposals put forward by the town council, but said the boundaries put forward did not appear to be easily identifiable, were “created arbitrarily”, and were not subject to public consultation.

In total, 34 of Carmarthenshire’s 58 wards won’t see any changes.

Some wards will have new names, while a small number of recommendations on Welsh language ward names were not approved.

Shereen Williams, chief executive of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales, said: “I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has accepted these recommendations with only minor modifications.

“These changes will mean greater electoral parity for the people of Carmarthenshire.”