Councillor Mrs Jill Hood
Stone's Independent Voice
I HAVE serious concerns for my home town of Stone regarding the Boundaries Commission’s ludicrous recommendations for Newcastle and Stone to merge as a constituency.
My opinion as a Stone’s Independent Voice councillor is that the proposals would further reduce Stone to an ‘also ran’ town. Stone is seen as a junior partner in Stafford Borough already and the ward I represent (Walton) plays second fiddle at Town Council level. Indeed recently the north side of Walton has been split off and sent into Stone Rural for the sake of ‘electoral fairness’ with barely a ripple of publicity. I can fully sympathise with the outrage expressed by the people of Newcastle at the proposed split of their town under the commission’s plans and I hope Bill Cash MP will fight as strongly against Stone being put with Newcastle as Paul Farrelly MP is fighting the corner for his town of Newcastle.
I would love to think, as we’re told, that this Boundary Commission is non-political and that the new constituency would become a ‘swing constituency’ with all the benefits that go with it, with electoral promises from all parties whether delivered or not. However, looking at the parts of Staffordshire in the newly proposed boundaries, it’s hard to believe it won’t still be a safe Tory seat and I’d rather Stone be a safe seat on its own regardless of which political party rules, than to lose our own identity that will go with the new proposals.
How much is the electoral reform actually saving if it destroys community cohesion and democracy, compared with tax loopholes for the rich, benefit fraud, the false economy of cutbacks leading to unemployment… I could go on. Is it worth it to just have a smaller parliament?
David Cameron continually talks of the ‘Big Society’ and Stone is a prime example of the big society working. We have many voluntary community groups making a difference in our town so why should the Boundaries Commission want to change natural community ties and boundaries, causing hostility towards the government. Whatever your opinion there are only days left to do anything about it. Have your say and email
reviews@bcommengland.xgsi.gov.uk
Or write to Boundary Commission for England, 35 Great Smith Street, London. SW1P 3BQ
