Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council introduced a report which set out the outcome of a review of three polling places, and recommended the designation of three new polling places.  The three polling places – Oaktree School, Barnsbury Primary School and Nursery and the Lightbox on Chobham Road – had been reviewed amid concerns over availability, accessibility and disruption to schools.  As a result, three new locations had been identified, comprising Sutton Avenue, the Lighthouse, Barnsbury and the Welcome Church.

The report outlined the considerations the Council had to take into account when reviewing polling places, in particular around accessibility.  The Council noted that the proposals had been considered at a recent meeting of the Elections Panel, the Chairman of which, Claire Storey, was present at the Council meeting.  The Councillors for the Wards affected welcomed the proposals and the benefits they would bring for electors and the local schools.

The Council thanked the Officers for their work in identifying suitable alternative sites and noted the measures that would be taken to ensure the electors were advised of the new arrangements.

RESOLVED

That the designation of the following sites as polling places be agreed:

o      Sutton Avenue, St John’s West polling district in the St John’s Ward;

o      The Lighthouse Barnsbury, Barnsbury polling district in the Heathlands Ward; and

o      The Welcome Church, Town Centre/Town Centre North polling district in the Canalside Ward.