Wednesday 17 October 2012

The Boundary Commission revised proposals - Statement from Walthamstow CLP

Walthamstow Constituency Labour Party (CLP) has issued the following statement on the revised proposals for constituency boundaries published on October 16th:

"Walthamstow Labour Party is extremely disappointed at the Boundary Commission's decision to divide the Walthamstow constituency between Leyton and Chingford.


"We find this decision extraordinary and wholly incompatible with the needs of both Walthamstow, Leyton and Chingford residents, not least because it contradicts the arguments made in the report itself about communities of interest. In particular the report acknowledges the north circular as a natural boundary and yet seeks to create a new constituency which is riven in two by it and another artificially separated from its main shopping and public areas. We also feel strongly that Walthamstow, which is in the Domesday book, deserves a voice in parliament which reflects its status as a coherent community and that Chingford and Leyton do too as distinctive localities. Without a reversal of this arbitrary decision there is a real risk the creation of new constituencies in neighbouring boroughs will fatally undermine Walthamstow's vibrant community spirit with disastrous consequences for democracy and civic society. 

"We will be pressing the Boundary Commission to look again at this decision and encouraging residents to make their feelings known through written submissions to the Commission in the next eight weeks to ensure Walthamstow retains its distinctive position not just as the heart of Waltham Forest but within Westminster too." 

Simon Redfern, Chair Walthamstow CLP

Further details can be found here: 
http://consultation.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/static/

HAVE YOUR SAY:
There will be a public meeting in Walthamstow about this in the near future. Please bookmark and check this blog for further details.

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