STOURPORT residents are being asked their views on which town locations should be used as polling stations at the next Parliamentary and Local Government elections.

Earlier this month, the Local Government Boundary Commission for England confirmed its plan to reduce the number of wards within Wyre Forest from 17 to 12 - which will take effect from the next Wyre Forest District Council elections in May 2015.

This means the ward boundaries have changed and decisions need to be made regarding where polling stations should now be located.

Stourport is divided into three wards; Lickhill, Areley Kings and Riverside, and Mitton, with Lickhill’s proposed polling station, at the Scout headquarters in Lickhill Road North, the only current option.

There are proposals for Areley Kings and Riverside to have either two polling stations - at Areley Kings Village Hall and Stourport Workmen’s Club - or three with an additional station at Walshes Community Centre.

Speaking at a Stourport Town Council meeting on Tuesday, November 4, when the proposals were discussed, Labour councillor Vi Higgs said not using Walshes Community Centre would detract local residents from voting.

“Whether they (Wyre Forest District Council) like it or not, the people of the Walshes will not go to Areley Kings Village Hall. It’s the wrong side of the road.

“Everyone knows that this is just a money saving job. 'Let’s reduce the number of places to vote as it will save us some money and we don’t care if it limits people from getting there'.”

Independent Community and Health Concern councillors John Thomas and town Mayor, Cliff Brewer, both agreed with the points put forward by Mrs Higgs.

When a vote was taken by councillors, 11 voted to recommend all three stations, with four votes against.

The proposals for Mitton involve either three polling stations - at St Wulstan Community Centre, 10:32 @ Half Crown Wood (Stourport Primary School) and Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre - or five if including the Old Rose and Crown and Wilden Village Hall.

When discussed at the town council meeting, a vote unanimously recommended the usage of all five stations.

The deadline for resident’s comments and opinions on which stations should be used is 5pm on Monday, November 17.

The proposals will be considered by the district council on Wednesday, December 10, where the outcome of the review will be published.

Ian Miller, district council Electoral Registration Officer, said: “It is important that the pattern of polling places is convenient for electors and cost-effective for taxpayers.

“This review gives everyone the opportunity to have their say on the proposals before final decisions are taken.”

Details of the proposals can be found at wyreforestdc.gov.uk/pollingreview, and comments should be emailed to electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk or sent in writing to the Electoral Registration Officer, Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, DY11 7WF.