Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

CONTENTS

Returning Officer’s Final Recommendations ...... 2 BARNFIELD ...... 2 ...... 4 ...... 5 ...... 7 ...... 8 ...... 10 ...... 16 NORTHWELL ...... 17 SAINTS ...... 18 ...... 21 ...... 22 CRAWLEY ...... 25 ...... 26 FARLEY ...... 28 HIGH TOWN...... 29 ...... 30 SOUTH ...... 32 ...... 35 WIGMORE...... 39 Representations from the Consultation ...... 49

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places Returning Officer’s Final Recommendations

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

BARNFIELD

BFAN 2,080 2,080 Spacious classroom No change None received No change COLLEGE close to Old Bedford Road entrance used Old Bedford Road Entrance Directional signs LU2 7EW needed, particularly for electors using Bradgers Hill Road entrance Room layout needs to account for privacy, particularly during for high turnouts

BFBN WILLIAM AUSTIN 1,668 1,670 Double Stations, Check and address None received Check and address minor (SAEN) INFANT SCHOOL using adjoining rooms minor issues raised by issues raised by Presiding (ANNEXE) in Annexe off Presiding Officer, Officer, otherwise no change Culverhouse Road otherwise no change Austin Road LU3 1PZ Temporary (Heras) fencing provided for safeguarding reason Queues in high turnouts could be an issue to be managed Wheelchair access tight External lighting

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

BFCN 1,997 1,997 Polling Station No change (REP 12 refers) Feedback noted for future COMMUNITY HUB (Manning Sports Hall) elections, otherwise, no Consider purchase of We have no storage facilities change Hancock Drive shared with Central internal barriers to for polling station material Beds Council LU2 7SF separate the two polling for considerable amounts of Use of internal stations time pre/ post the election. barriers to demarcate Things need to be delivered the two polling on the Wednesday and stations to prevent collected on the Friday. ballot papers being accidentally put in the wrong ballot box under consideration Plenty of car parking, but none specifically designated for disabled drivers

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

BRAMINGHAM

BMAN BARNFIELD 823 863 Polling station (room) No change None received Signage and poll card COLLEGE moved from rear to message noted, otherwise no Enterprise way front of college, a change room, with entrance LU3 4BU door from Enterprise Way after first use in 2014 Need three standalone polling station signs and poll cards need to state ‘Opposite Smith Medical’ to direct electors, as building quite long BMBN/1 & ST. MARGARET’S 2,724 2,724 Minor issue with lack No change None received No change BMBN/2 CHURCH PARISH of dedicated disabled CENTRE parking and distance from road Lucas Gardens LU3 3BG BMCN BRAMINGHAM PARK 2,041 2,041 No issues identified No change None received No change CHURCH

Freeman Avenue LU3 4BL

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

CHALLNEY

CHAN CHALLNEY HIGH 2,173 2,176 First used in 2016, Re-visit site and explore None received No change, but site to be re- SCHOOL FOR BOYS after moving from the solutions to current visited to address access Stonegate Road Challney High School problems issues, as no suitable for Girls due to alternative polling place If this is not an option, LU4 9TJ complaints from available check district again for electors about access alternative places issues Hall used has steps within the room, unsuitable for wheel chair users, but due to no alternative available rooms within the school and no alternative polling places within or close to district, Presiding Officers have to provide help when needed No external lighting when dark CHBN CHAUL END CENTRE 2,091 2,092 No issues identified No change (REP33 refers) Review risk assessment, 515 Road Issue: The Police had to be otherwise no change LU4 8QN called to the centre on polling day Better security in place

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

CHCN STANTON ROAD 1,722 1,723 No significant issues No change None received No change identified BAPTIST CHURCH HALL Stanton Road LU4 0BH CHDN LEA SCOUT GROUP 2,279 2,283 First used in 2016 No change None received No change HQ after closure and loss Bodmin Road of previous polling place (Kent Athletic LU4 9BW Club) No issues identified CHEN FERRARS INFANT 1,173 1,173 Double station with No change None received No change SCHOOL LWCN (LWCN) Macaulay Road Alternative room LU4 OLL provided since last review, with improved access No issues identified

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

ICKNIELD IKAN ICKNIELD HIGH 1,700 1,702 No issues identified No change (REP35 refers) No change SCHOOL I have referred your email Riddy lane and attachment to the Head. LU3 2AH As no issues were identified at Icknield nor any recommendations made the school does not wish to comment on the review

IKBN/1 & IKBN/2 WARDEN HILL 4,239 4,264 Double stations Check adequacy of (REP30 refers) Address external lighting JUNIOR SCHOOL external lighting, issue, otherwise no change Room changed to No issues. It’s fine with me otherwise no change Birdsfoot Lane more suitable LU3 2DN Children Centre on same school campus, since last review in 2014 External lighting when dark is an issue

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

LEAGRAVE

LGAN FLYING START 1,738 1,747 Current polling place No change (REP13 refers) No change WEST(MOSSDALE) in use since last None stated CHILDREN CENTRE review in 2014, when district was re-aligned Mossdale Court, Adult size long tables LU4 9JL and chairs borrowed from Hockwell Ring Community Centre for each election, otherwise no issues identified LGBN HOCKWELL RING 1,989 1,992 No issues identified No change None No change COMMUNITY CENTRE, Mayne Avenue LU4 9LB

LGCN/1 & ST LUKE'S CHURCH 3,247 3,280 Double stations in Ensure external lighting None Address external lighting LGCN/2 HALL, use since 2014 issue, otherwise no change fixed prior to next Access from rear of Minor issues election in May 2020, otherwise no change the church, identified with Leagrave High Street entrance door and external lighting LU4 9JY

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

LGDN PIRTON HILL 1,835 1,836 No disabled parking Provide additional None Provide additional standalone PRIMARY SCHOOL in car park during standalone signs for signs for future elections, school hours otherwise no change Butely Road future elections, otherwise no change LU4 9EX Location of polling station on school campus is not clear Otherwise no significant issues identified

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

LEWSEY

LWAN/1 & 3,007 3,033 Double stations No change None No change LWAN/2 LEARNING CENTRE No significant issues Tomlinson Avenue identified LU4 1QQ

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

LWBN CHALK HILLS 2,100 2,100 Significant Explore the use of St (REP10 refers) safeguarding issues Hugh's Church Hall as Option 1: The Chalk Hills Academy raised by the school, an alternative polling (Recommendation) Leagrave High Street, has rapidly expanded over such that preferred place within the district LU4 0NE recent years and currently Move the polling place to St room (school hall) not comprises 1,400 pupils. This Hugh’s Church Hall, in available for use number will grow further in Emerald Road, Luton Space limited in September 2019 with the Comments: Would address current room addition of a further 300 the concerns raised by the provided, with pupils, ultimately bringing school. furniture needing to the school to maximum be moved out which capacity of 1,750. I believe Pros: St Hugh’s Church Hall, could be an issue that The Chalk Hills is adjacent to the current with a high turnout Academy is not an polling place, is situated more centrally within the district and Temporary building appropriate polling station for the meets all the requirements of installed in service a polling station, with none of yard used in 2016 following significant reasons: the issues arising from the proved unsuitable in Size and accommodation: use of the current polling terms of space and The academy has an place accessibility extremely large building, in Cons: St Hugh’s Church Hall which there is the potential will cost more in fee, to confuse voters as to the balanced by the saving on the whereabouts of any polling costs of additional room. With very large safeguarding measures numbers needed at the current polling of pupils, there is lack of place. Elector would be voting capacity in which to situate a at an unfamiliar location. polling room. Furthermore, there is an issue (identified Option 2: by SCOPE Research) that there is a lack of privacy at No change the academy for an elector Comments: and their companion to discuss their choice of vote. Pros: No change is least With such large numbers of disruptive for electors staff and students, there is Cons: Does not address the insufficient space to issues raised by feedback accommodate and manage received (see also REP10 the flow, should there be a below) high volume of voters.

The academy cannot provide single or multiple

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

polling rooms. Safeguarding: First and foremost, it is the academy's duty to safeguard all pupils within. Therefore, we cannot allow voters to access an area or room where they would come into contact with students. In recent years, security staff have been commissioned at an additional cost due to potential security concerns. Accessibility: With only one entrance, accessibility for voters at the start and end of the day will be restricted due to the volume of pupils (currently 1,400) walking through at the same time. This number of pupils would be overwhelming for voters at this time. Parking: The Chalk Hills Academy has limited parking facility and therefore cannot guarantee a space for all disabled voters or parking for polling staff. Additionally, Leagrave High Street is a busy main road with little off street parking. LBC has recently supported the academy with the installation of wooden bollards to stop parking and waiting (potentially causing an accident) close to the academy. Reception: Our busy reception staff cannot support polling. Snap elections: The academy cannot accommodate snap elections. For example, the General Election in May

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

2017 coincided with and impacted on a GCSE maths exam for 270 students. The priority must be the welfare and achievement of the pupils. Closure Days: historically, schools have been selected as polling stations. The "norm" was to close on polling days to facilitate this. The Chalk Hills Academy is a busy school, open to students in the evenings, at weekends and in the holidays. We do not believe it is in the best interest of our pupils, parents and wider community to close With the points raised previously, it is my strong recommendation, as also identified by LBC, that the hall at St Hugh's Church be considered as a far more appropriate venue for polling. Additional Comments: The Shared Learning Trust fully supports the democratic electoral process and indeed teaches children the importance of utilising the right to vote. However, we feel that the impact of polling at The Chalk Hills Academy hinders the smooth running of the school and causes unnecessary burdens on staff, pupils and voters. With the hall at St Hugh's being directly next door to the academy, this would be

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

a far better solution for the community to exercise their democratic right.

LWCN FERRARS INFANT 975 979 Double station with No change None received No change (CHEN) SCHOOL CHEN Macaulay Road Alternative room LU4 OLL provided since last review, with improved access No issues identified

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

LWDN SOUTHFIELD 1,786 1,786 No issues identified No change (REP29 refers) Review and assessment PRIMARY SCHOOL, Issue: No access. Do postal access issues, otherwise no change Pastures Way votes

LU4 0PE Ramps, Rails LWEN PASTURES WAY 1,356 1,356 Current polling place Negotiate with school for None received As no suitable alternative NURSERY SCHOOL used due to loss of an alternative room if room at the school and no available; Pastures Way previous place at the alternative polling places are Sheltered Housing available, no change. Provide LU4 0PE If not an option, explore complex at Lewsey alternative polling places an addition poll clerk to deal Park Court with access issues within or outside the Current polling place district is outside the district, as no other suitable alternative polling place available within district Space in the current polling station is limited and would be an issue with high turnouts Heavy entrance gate has proved unsuitable for wheel chair users and elderly frail voters, as needs to be kept closed for children’s safety reason

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

LIMBURY

LBAN AMBLESIDE 2,163 2,166 Minor issues with Contact venue and (REP34 Refers) Address external lighting and COMMUNITY limited external address external lighting None. Totally accessible to trip hazard issues, otherwise CENTRE, lighting and trip and trip hazard issues, everyone no change hazard otherwise no change 19A Ambleside

LU3 2SF

LBBN SELLS 7TH SCOUT 1,887 1,890 Used since last No change None received No change GROUP review in 2014 Birdsfoot Lane Disabled access adequate LU3 2HX LBCN THE MEADS 1,980 2,074 No issues identified No change None received No change PRIMARY SCHOOL

Sawtry Close LU3 2EU

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

NORTHWELL

NWAN WAULUDS NURSERY 1,985 2,164 Issues with external Assess proposed new (REP32 refers) Assess suitability of proposed UNIT, lighting and steep room and change for The pavements. Scooter new polling station (room to Off Axe Close slope at entrance future elections if access be used) at the school, suitable. Otherwise, otherwise no change Provide standalone LU3 3LZ negotiate with school to sign and change post (Note: Polling place to be retain current room and code on poll cards to assessed about feasibility of address issues identified better direct voters to hosting two polling stations, polling station as alternative for Gill Blowers Nursery in under School has proposed consideration) a change of polling station (room) within same place, subject to site visit and assessment NWBN LITTLE PEOPLE’S 2,071 2,076 No issues identified No change None received No change NURSERY, WHITEFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL, Stockholm Way LU3 3SS NWCN FUTURES HOUSE, 1,587 1,590 No issues identified No change None received No change THE MOAKES

LU3 3QN

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

SAINTS

SAAN/1 & MAIDENHALL 2,686 2,985 Triple Stations with No change None received No change SAAN/2 PRIMARY SCHOOL BCDS, within spacious sports hall (BCDS) Dunstable Road Entrance, No issues identified LU4 8LD

SABN/1 & ST. MARGARET’S 2,415 2,449 Large church Hall No change None received Optimal arrangement of SABN/2 CHURCH HALL, now hosts two double polling stations within the Hall stations for SABN under consideration, (SACN/1 & Montrose Avenue otherwise no change SACN/2) and SACN districts, LU3 1HW after small hall also previously used is now a nursery In use, for to SABN district since 2015, after closure of Saints Community Centre No significant issues identified, but if large turnouts, logistics of how the hall is set up need to be carefully thought out Kerb ramp provided at front door due to slightly raised threshold

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

SACN/1 & ST. MARGARET’S 2,612 2,615 Large church Hall No change None received Optimal arrangement of SACN/2 CHURCH HALL, now hosts two double polling stations within the Hall (SABN/1 & Montrose Avenue stations for SABN under consideration, SABN/2) and SACN districts, otherwise no change LU3 1HW after small hall also previously used is now a nursery In use, for to SABN district since 2015, after closure of Saints Community Centre No significant issues identified, but if large turnouts, logistics of how the hall is set up need to be carefully thought out Kerb ramp provided at front door due to slightly raised threshold SADN ST JOSEPH PARISH 1,718 1,729 Current polling place No change None received No change CENTRE provides improved 68 Gardenia Avenue disabled access, although larger LU3 2NS powered wheelchairs could be an issue On street parking only

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

SAEN WILLIAM AUSTIN 513 513 Double Stations, Check and address None received Address external lighting issue, otherwise no change (BFBN) INFANT SCHOOL using adjoining rooms minor issues raised by (ANNEXE) in Annexe off Presiding Officer,

Austin Road Culverhouse Road otherwise no change LU3 1PZ Temporary (Heras) fencing provided for safeguarding reason Queues in high turnouts could be an issue to be managed Wheelchair access tight External lighting

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

SUNDON PARK

SPAN SUNDON PARK 2,135 2,135 No issues identified No change None received No change BAPTIST CHURCH, 244 Sundon Park Road, LU3 3AL

SPBN CHEYNES INFANT 695 695 No issues identified No change None received No change SCHOOL, Cranbrook Drive LU3 3JU SPCN SUNDON PARK 1,975 1,975 No issues identified No change (REP02 refers) Street parking only for JUNIOR SCHOOL, electors, no change None other than parking. Kinross Crescent, LU3 Access to school car parking 3JU suggested

SPDN GILL BLOWERS 1,038 1,038 Parking available, but Provide an additional (REP15 refers) Explore feasibly of switching NURSERY, none specified for standalone sign for the polling place to Wauluds Using Gill Blowers Nursery disabled parking main road, otherwise no Nursery School in the Leabank School as a polling station change adjacent district (see NWAN) LU3 3LW Polling station not requires that the School be sighted from main shut for the entire day. This and if not suitable, no change, road. Additional is incredibly inconvenient for as there are no alternative suitable polling places standalone signs parents, particularly working need to be provided parents who need to find Ramp at entrance other childcare could be a bit tight for arrangements sometimes at mobility scooters short notice (e.g. the recent EU elections). It also distrupts the children's learning and interferres with our educational planning We would prefer an alternative location to be found

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

BISCOT

BCAS/1 ST. ANDREW’S 2,805 2,813 No issues identified. No change None received No change & CHURCH HALL Blenheim Crescent, BCAS/2 LU3 1HA BCBS UNITED 2,201 2,202 No parking No change None received No change REFORMED Slight raised CHURCH threshold at entrance Bury Park Road, – kerb ramp provided LU1 1HG

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

BCCS/1 DENBIGH PRIMARY 2,979 2,979 Room used has Search and assess (REP37 refers) Option 1: & SCHOOL CHILDREN limited space for a alternative places, but if Issue: Usual room would no CENTRE (Recommendation) double polling no new places available, longer be available due to BCCS/2 stations no change Cavendish Road the school being re- Negotiate with school for an Entrance, External lighting developed (verbal alternative suitable room for election use LU3 1NS along long path to comments received by polling station phone) Comments : inadequate Use an alternative place, There are no suitable Separate access for e.g. Blenheim Crescent alternative polling places in Baptist Church wheel chairs, as the district or nearby turning circle too tight Does not meet all Option 2: polling station requirements, but no Move polling place to suitable alternative Blenheim Crescent Baptist places available in Church district. Potential Comments: place outside district previously assessed, Blenheim Crescent Baptist but was not approved Church is outside the district for change at last and was previously ruled out review by the Admin and Regulation Committee, as electors would need to pass another polling station, St Andrew’s Church, to get to it. St Andrew’s Church is already a double polling station and it would be undesirable to extend this.

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

CRAWLEY

CWAS ST. FRANCIS 2,190 2,191 No issues identified No change None received No change CHURCH HALL Carteret Road LU2 9HQ CWBS 2,304 3,180 No specific disabled No change None received No change INFANT SCHOOL parking

Beaconsfield Entrance might be a LU2 0RW bit limited for larger motorised wheelchair External lighting limited Otherwise, no significant issues identified May need to host a second polling station in the long term, given the projected significant growth in elector numbers over the next 4 years CWCS HART HILL 961 963 Double Stations No change None received No change NURSERY (HTDS) Poor external lighting Whitecroft Road when dark, otherwise LU2 0JS no issues identified

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

DALLOW

DLAS FOXDELL INFANT 2,044 2,145 No issues identified No change None received No change SCHOOL Dallow Road LU1 1TG DLBS BEECH HILL 2,376 2,472 No issues identified No change None received No change METHODIST May need to host a CHURCH second polling station Dunstable Road in the long term, LU4 8BW given the projected growth in elector numbers over the next 4 years DLCS/1 & DLCS/2 DALLOW LEARNING 2,686 2,685 Double stations No change None received No change & COMMUNITY No issues identified CENTRE 234 Dallow Road LU1 1TB DLDS BURY PARK 2,252 2,260 Fire door used as Address external lighting None received No change RESOURCE entrance issue with the venue CENTRE, 161-161B prior to next election, External lighting not otherwise no change Dunstable road working at last election LU1 1BW No significant issues identified

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

DLES DALLOW PRIMARY 970 1,129 No issues identified No change (REP09 refers) No change SCHOOL (FLYING Issue: Using a site with a Comments: No suitable START WEST) primary school, nursery and alternative polling place Dallow Road childrens centre is not ideal available. This polling place LU1 1LZ for security and was changed from a double safeguarding reasons. Not station to a single polling the least that the security station in the 2014 review, gates have to be open all due to lack of space. With a day. slight boundary change, DLCS district was merged Use an alternative venue - with DLAS and both vote at perhaps the Community Centre in Dallow Road the double polling station at Dallow Learning and Community Centre)

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

FARLEY

FLAS FARLEY 1,964 2,004 No issues identified No change None received No change COMMUNITY CENTRE, Delphine Close LU1 5RE

FLBS/1 & FLBS/2 FARLEY HILL 2,886 2,888 No issues identified No change None received No change METHODIST CHURCH North Drift way LU1 5JG FLCS ST SAVIOUR'S 2,014 2,037 Double stations with Make provision for two None received Make provision for additional (SHBS) CHURCH HALL SHBS additional standalone signage, otherwise no change St Saviour's Crescent On road parking only signs for the venue, otherwise no change LU1 5HG Inadequate powered wheelchair access Needs two additional standalone signs Otherwise no significant issues identified FLDS ST JOHN’S THE 1,641 1,641 No issues identified No change BAPTIST CHURCH HALL 47 Rotheram Avenue LU1 5PP

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

HIGH TOWN

HTAS HIGHTOWN SPORTS 2,119 2,278 No issues identified No change None received No change & ARTS CENTRE, Concorde Street lU2 0JD HTBS LUTON CENTRAL 2,019 2,084 On road parking only Check state of ramp with (REP04 refers) Street parking only for electors, no change SEVENTH DAY Ramp in poor church, otherwise no Issue: None that I know of ADVENTIST change condition apart from parking during CHURCH, 1 North busy periods Street, Choose a location with LU2 7QD better parking arrangements HTCS HOPE CHURCH 923 923 Minor issue with non- No change None received No change CENTRE, Villa Road, electors attending Luton other church business, otherwise LU2 7NT no significant issues

HTDS HART HILL 578 579 Double Stations No change None received No change NURSERY (CWCS) Poor external lighting Whitecroft Road when dark, otherwise LU2 0JS no issues identified

HTES FIRST LUTON SEA 641 643 No issues identified No change None received No change SCOUTS HQ, BOWLING Green Lane LU2 7HR

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

ROUND GREEN

RGAS RICHMOND HILL 1,360 1,374 No parking except for No change None received No change SCHOOL, disabled Sunridge Avenue Lack of space outside LU2 7JL entrance limits change to current ramp and rail to improve wheel chair access No alternative polling place available in or close to district

RGBS/1 & RAMRIDGE PRIMARY 2,580 2,586 Double station Arrange assessment of None received Arrange assessment of RGBS/2 SCHOOL, Slight step at entrance and the entrance and the suitability of suitability of ramp ramp provided, otherwise no Ashcroft Road entrance. Ramp provided, otherwise no change Entrance provided but size is change slightly too big LU2 9AH Otherwise no significant issues identified RGCS ST. CHRISTOHER’S 1,001 1,064 No issues identified No change None received No change CHURCH HALL, (RGDS) Felix Avenue LU2 7NB RGDS ST. CHRISTOHER’S 1,782 1,920 No issues identified No change None received No change CHURCH HALL, (RGCS) Felix Avenue LU2 7NB

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

RGES ST. ANNE’S CHURCH 1,861 1,887 No issues identified No change None received No change HALL,

Hart Lane LU2 0QN

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

SOUTH

SHAS TENNYSON ROAD 951 952 Double stations Review siting of (Heras) (REP06 refers) Review siting of (Heras) PRIMARY SCHOOL, (SHFS) (Heras) Fencing fencing with school, Issue: The issue is that the fencing with school, otherwise otherwise no change no change Tennyson Road provided and cost of structure of polling is Comments: Representation LU1 3RS security guard met to outdated. In a world where mitigate safeguarding we can pay for our road tax noted, but beyond remit of concerns, as no online we should be able to this review alternative places vote securely online as well. available within or Bring us up to date. close to the districts Two part security Electors have to walk authentication provided to across car park, but voting residents via email otherwise no other addresses should be easy to significant issues implement. identified

SHBS ST SAVIOUR'S 1,788 2,068 Double stations with Make provision for two None received Make provision for additional CHURCH HALL SHBS signage, otherwise no change (FLCS) additional standalone St Saviour's Crescent On road parking only signs for the venue, otherwise no change LU1 5HG Inadequate powered wheelchair access Needs two additional standalone signs Otherwise no significant issues identified

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

SHCS PARK TOWN 2,191 2,303 No parking except for No change None received No change disabled COMMUNITY CENTRE, Otherwise no Bailey Street significant issues identified LU1 3DU May need to host a second polling station in the long term, given the projected growth in elector numbers over the next 4 years SHDS TOWN HALL, 2,125 2,833 Restricted parking No change None received No change Upper George Street Otherwise no issues identified LU1 2BQ May need to host a second polling station in the long term, given the projected growth in elector numbers over the next 4 years SHES ROTHESAY ROAD 1,171 1,266 Provide standalone No change None received No change NURSERY polling station sign for use on road outside Rothesay Road LU1 1RB Otherwise no issues identified

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

SHFS TENNYSON ROAD 1,898 2,025 Double stations Review siting of (Heras) (REP06 refers) Review siting of (Heras) PRIMARY SCHOOL fencing with school, fencing with school, otherwise (SHAS) (Heras) Fencing Issue: The issue is that the otherwise no change no change Tennyson Road provided and cost of structure of polling is Comments: Representation LU1 3RS security guard met to outdated. In a world where mitigate safeguarding we can pay for our road tax noted, but beyond remit of concerns, as no online we should be able to this review alternative places vote securely online as well. available within or Bring us up to date. close to the districts Two part security Electors have to walk authentication provided to across car park, but voting residents via email otherwise no other addresses should be easy to significant issues implement. identified

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

STOPSLEY

STAS STOPSLEY PARISH 1,194 1,194 No issues identified No change None received No change CHURCH HALL 585a, Hitchin Road, LU2 7UL

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

STBS/1 & STBS/2 2,355 2,364 No issues identified No change (REP07 refers) PRIMARY SCHOOL, Option 1: Issues: We are currently the (Recommendation) Putteridge Road polling station for our local LU2 8HJ ward. The school has been Explore Putteridge High forced to close on 4 School as a potential occasions in the past 3 alternative polling place academic years as the Comments: Family Room is not deemed to be large enough for the Pros: May address issues voting to take place (despite raised in feedback received this room being large Cons: It is another school, enough to facilitate voters which may have similar for the Police Commissioner issues as the primary school elections). As a result, the whole school has had to be closed to pupils, usually Option 2: resulting in closure a week Combine STBS/1 & STBS/2 before our eldest year group into a single polling station have to take statutory tests. and use the Family Room. No consideration is given to This would only be the loss of education, which appropriate for low turnout is a priority of Luton,to these elections (PCC or local by- pupils as a result of whole elections). For high turnout school closure. It causes a elections, the polling district great inconvenience for would need to be still split into parents to have to take an STBS/1 & STBS/2 and the ad-hoc day off work to school would still need to facilitate the school being close. used as a polling station, particularly in light of only Comments: 37% of the electoral roll for Pros: May address issues the ward voting in the most raised in feedback received. recent elections (May 2019). Cons: Does not resolve the The Family Room at the issue for high turnout school can be sealed off elections. from the rest of the building and has it's own facilities Option 3: contained within it. This would mean that the school No change would be able to operate as Comments: normal, with education for all pupils being able to take place and no inconvenience

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

to any parents being Pros: No change is least caused. disruptive for electors Cons: Does not address the issues raised by feedback received (see also REP08 below)

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

STCS FALKES DISTRICT 1,869 1,870 Name changed since No change None received No change (FORMER last review in 2014, SOMERIES) (LUTON) otherwise polling SCOUT H.Q place remains the Applecroft Road same and no issues identified LU2 8BD

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

WIGMORE

WMAS/1 & HAVERINGS 2,746 2,746 No issues identified No change None received No change WMAS/2 TRAINING CENTRE Lancing Road LU2 8JN WMBS RAMRIDGE BAPTIST 976 976 No issues identified No change None received No change CHURCH HALL,

Littlefield Road LU2 9DF

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

WMCS/1 & WIGMORE PRIMARY 2,447 2,530 Double stations No change WMCS/2 SCHOOL, (REP16 refers) Option 1: Due to safeguarding (Recommendation) Twyford Drive issues, additional Issue: Wigmore Primary LU2 9TB security measures School now serves over 500 Re-position district boundary agreed to enable pupils and their families. The between WMCS and WMDS normal school school also has the highest districts, so as to move about business on election percentage of pupils with 850 electors from WMCS to days significant Special WMDS district, enabling Otherwise no issues Educational Needs out of all WMCS to be served by a identified maintained schools in the single polling station in the area - it is in the top 5 for all Family Room at the current schools in Luton. To be polling place (see comments designated as a polling below) station has a significant Comments: detrimental impact on all our pupils (especially those with Pros: special needs) and their Family Room is spacious families. We have expanded enough for a single polling and our building has station, enabling the school to changed from when we were stay open on election days, originally designated, as with mitigating measures have the needs of our pupils (some of whom have flight Wigmore Church and risk behaviours). As such we Community Centre is already cannot remain open to a double station and the extra students for polling if the LA 850 electors would have little wish to use any other room impact than the Family Room, Cons: which we have been advised is too small. Closing the Does not address all issues school for polling puts our raised in the feedback and children at a disadvantage to some displaced electors from all others in the area WMCS may have to travel because it is disruptive to further to vote at Wigmore their education. It is Church and Community particularly important for the Centre children with disabilities in our school, which are largely Option 2: related to Autism, to have as Move polling place to little change to their routine Raynham Community Centre as possible. This is especially pertinent in the Comments: case of short notice

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

elections, which cause Pros: Addresses all the significant disruption to over issues raised in the 500 pupils and their parents. representations received, Even in the case of elections including impact of school that we know of in advance, closure on children’s the arrangement puts our education and on their pupils at a disadvantage to parents all other schools locally. [for Cons: Location of Raynham instance, next year if we are Community Centre on edge of a polling station children will (WMCS) district is some be absent for the 2 days distance from main centre of prior to their national tests, population, separated by which isn't the case for the playing fields vast majority of other schools]. Parents regularly report to us that they are Option 3: unhappy with us being used No change (see comments as a polling station because below) it means that many of those who work have to take extra Comments: days off. Finally, the physical Pros: Least disruptive to location of the school is electors difficult to access for those with disabilities. We are at Cons: Does not address the the top of a steep hill. If the issues raised in school is open for polling (for representations received, instance, if the Family Room including impact of school were designated as closure on children’s acceptable for use in all education and on their future elections), the public parents cannot use our car park and do find access strenuous. There is also additional cost to the authority in providing security guards to protect children from the general public. We believe that there must be a suitable location in the ward which will cause less disruption to fewer people if it is used as a polling station

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Investigate the use of an alternative polling station for this ward. We would look to one of the community centres in the ward first

(REP17 refers) Issue: Using the school as a polling station causes disruption to the childrens education Alternative venues such as Raynham Way community centre could be used

(REP18 refers) Issue: Closing the school for the day (at short notice in this political climate) disrupts children's education and causes childcare issues for parents I see no reason why an alternative location cannot be found. There are many churches around, plus Wigmore Hall conference centre.

(REP19 refers) Issue: School has to close when the used a polling station. I am aware that this causes the school challenges with inset days / term dates, as well as being inconvenient for parents & pupils. As a local resident i do wonder why we need Wigmore school & Wigmore

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Church both as polling stations when they are so close together. Use only Wigmore Church & not Wigmore school. Use alternative venue's like Raynam Way Community Centre, this has appropriate parking & easy access. Crawly Green Sports Club could also be used (if not already done so) Both these venues would not impact on children's learning

(REP20 refers) Issue: I don't get why I have to go the school to vote, yet I am literally yards from Wigmore Church. The school usually has to close for pupils but the church hall doesn't, plus it is closer to my house Let all of Wigmore vote at the church hall, as you are already using it for half the estate, why not the rest?

(REP21 refers) Issue: I don't feel that a school should close for it to be turned into a polling station. It is not easy for me to find childcare, and more importantly I don't want my child's education interrupted. There is already a polling station at the community centre/church just up the

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

road - so why can't we all go there? Everyone to go to the community centre/church - or find an alternative venue. Additional comments: Make voting online either through an app, website or post easier.

(REP22 refers) Issue: Schools should not be used polling stations as this disrupts children's learning Use Wigmore Church

(REP23 refers) Issue: It disrupts school life and children from learning. Also puts parents out ....better solution would be to use Raynham way Community Centre Use Raynham way community centre. then you don’t have to clise the school Additional comments: Using the school csuses so many problems

(REP24 refers) Issue: Disruption to children's education when the school is used as a polling station. Many other

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

local facilities are already used as polling stations Nearby churches are already polling stations, should more be needed then Raynham Way Community Centre would be an ideal location

(REP25 refers) Issue: The school is an inappropriate choice for a polling station - it disrupts the children's education because we would be forced to close or make big adjustments if keeping open. We have several children with a high level of need and they need consistency and their safety comes first. We are situated on top of a hill- parking and accessibility would be an issue also. There is a community centre very close by-this would be a better choice. Use the community centre for voting

(REP26 refers) Issue: My children attend this school and it has to shut for polling which means I have had to take 2 days annual leave this year because the school is shut. The school should remain open as usual.

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

Either use another place or allow the school to remain open and use one room etc Additional comments: The council need to realise that parents shouldnt have to use valuable holiday and spend extra money on childcare to make other arrangements when school shuts and sometimes at very short notice when the education of our children is going to suffer

(REP27 refers) Issue: It is not Very good to have a school as a Polling station due to safeguarding issues the school has to be closed on polling days and this is detrimental to the students education. Change the polling station to a nearby establishment which does not have safeguarding issues eg Raynham Way community centre

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ward / Polling Polling Place Current Predict. RO Initial RO Initial Representations from RO Final Comments & District Elect. Elect. Comments Recommendations Consultation Recommendations 2024

WMDS/1 & WIGMORE CHURCH 2,362 2,364 Double station No change None received No change WMDS/2 AND COMMUNITY No issues identified CENTRE, Crawley Green Road LU2 9TE

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places Representations from the Consultation

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

REP01 Mohammed Not stated Too many polling stations Less polling stations Noted, no change Arfan

REP02 Martyn Sundon Park None other than parking Access to school car parking Street parking only for electors, no change Fisher Primary School

REP03 David Wynn Haverings None Noted, no change Traning Centre

REP04 Andrew Luton Central None that I know of apart from parking Choose a location with better parking Street parking only for electors, no change Milne Seventh Day during busy periods arrangements Adventist Church

REP05 Allan Maher First Luton Sea None No change Scouts HQ First Luton Sea Scout Group

REP06 J Daniels Tennyson The issue is that the structure of polling is Two part security authentication provided Representation noted, but beyond remit of Road Primary outdated. In a world where we can pay for to voting residents via email addresses this review School should be easy to implement. our road tax online we should be able to vote securely online as well. Bring us up to date.

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

REP07 Colin Pickard Putteridge We are currently the polling station for our The Family Room at the school can be Primary School Option 1: Putteridge local ward. The school has been forced to sealed off from the rest of the building and Primary close on 4 occasions in the past 3 has it's own facilities contained within it. No change (subject to option 2 not being School academic years as the Family Room is not This would mean that the school would be feasible) deemed to be large enough for the voting able to operate as normal, with education to take place (despite this room being large for all pupils being able to take place and Comments: enough to facilitate voters for the Police no inconvenience to any parents being Pros: No change is least disruptive for Commisioner elections). As a result, the caused. electors whole school has had to be closed to pupils, usually resulting in closure a week Cons: Does not address the issues raised before our eldest year group have to take by feedback received (see also REP08) statutory tests. No consideration is given to the loss of education, which is a priority of Option 2: Luton,to these pupils as a result of whole school closure. It causes a great Explore as a inconvenience for parents to have to take potential alternative polling place an ad-hoc day off work to facilitate the Comments: school being used as a polling station, Pros: May address issues raised in particularly in light of only 37% of the feedback received electoral roll for the ward voting in the most recent elections (May 2019) Cons: It is another school, which may have similar issues as the primary school

REP08 Rachel Putteridge Children have to miss school due to this Use an alternative venue See REP07 Tomlinson Primary school being used as a polling station

REP09 Glenda Dallow Primary Using a site with a primary school, nursery Use an alternative venue - perhaps the No change Norris Community Centre in Dallow Road. School (Flying and childrens centre is not ideal for security Comments: No suitable alternative polling Start West) and safeguarding reasons. Dallow place available. This polling place was Primary Not the least that the security gates have to changed from a double station to a single School be open all day polling station in the 2014 review, due to lack of space. With a slight boundary change, DLCS district was merged with DLAS and both vote at the double polling station at Dallow Learning and Community Centre)

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

REP10 Catherine Chalk Hills Issues: The Chalk Hills Academy has With the points raised previously, it is my Barr Academy rapidly expanded over recent years and strong recommendation, as also identified Option 1: currently comprises 1,400 pupils. This by LBC, that the hall at St Hugh's Church The Shared No change number will grow further in September 2019 be considered as a far more appropriate Learning Comments: Trust with the addition of a further 300 pupils, venue for polling. ultimately bringing the school to maximum The Shared Learning Trust fully supports Pros: Least disruptive to electors capacity of 1,750. I believe that The Chalk the democratic electoral process and Hills Academy is not an appropriate polling Cons: a. Does not address the issues indeed teaches children the importance of station for the raised in the representations. utilising the right to vote. However, we feel following significant reasons: Size and that the impact of polling at The Chalk Hills accommodation: Academy hinders the smooth running of Option 2: the school and causes unnecessary The academy has an extremely large Move the polling place to St Hugh’s Church burdens on staff, pupils and voters. With building, in which there is the potential to Hall, in Emerald Road, Luton, adjacent to confuse voters as to the whereabouts of the hall at St Hugh's being directly next the current polling place. (Preferred) any polling room. With very large numbers door to the academy, this would be a far better solution for the community to Comments: of pupils, there is lack of capacity in which exercise their democratic right. Pros: to situate a polling room. Furthermore, there is an issue (identified by SCOPE i. The church hall is situated more centrally Research) that there is a lack of privacy at within the district than the current polling the academy for an elector and their place companion to discuss their choice of vote. ii. It meets all the requirements of a polling With such large numbers of staff and station, with none of the issues arising from students, there is insufficient space to the use of the current polling place accommodate and manage the flow, should Cons: there be a high volume of voters. It will cost more in fee, but save on the costs The academy cannot provide single or of additional safeguarding measures multiple polling rooms. Safeguarding: First needed at the current polling place. (Note: and foremost, it is the academy's duty to Cost is not a consideration with this review) safeguard all pupils within. Therefore, we cannot allow voters to access an area or room where they would come into contact with students. In recent years, security staff have been commissioned at an additional cost due to potential security concerns. Accessibility: With only one entrance, accessibility for voters at the start and end of the day will be restricted due to the volume of pupils (currently 1,400) walking through at the same time. This number of pupils would be overwhelming for voters at this time. Parking: The Chalk Hills Academy

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

has limited parking facility and therefore cannot guarantee a space for all disabled voters or parking for polling staff. Additionally, Leagrave High Street is a busy main road with little off street parking. LBC has recently supported the academy with the installation of wooden bollards to stop parking and waiting (potentially causing an accident) close to the academy. Reception: Our busy reception staff cannot support polling. Snap elections: The academy cannot accommodate snap elections. For example, the General Election in May 2017 coincided with and impacted on a GCSE maths exam for 270 students. The priority must be the welfare and achievement of the pupils. Closure Days: historically, schools have been selected as polling stations. The "norm" was to close on polling days to facilitate this. The Chalk Hills Academy is a busy school, open to students in the evenings, at weekends and in the holidays. We do not believe it is in the best interest of our pupils, parents and wider community to close

REP11 Not provided Halyard School Gone to postal due to difficulty with Halyard None stated See REP10 School. Old/ disabled - blind (New name - Chalk Hills Academy)

REP12 Scott Bushmead We have no storage facilities for polling Things need to be delivered on the No change Eastwood Community station material for considerable amounts of Wednesday and collected on the Friday. Comments: Feedback noted Hub time pre/ post the election Bushmead Community Hub

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

REP13 Aina Taurina Flying Start None stated None stated No change West (Mossdale ) children centre

REP14 Claire Monk Lea scout No issue No change group headquarters

REP15 Gill Blowers Gill Blowers Using Gill Blowers Nursery School as a We would prefer an alternative location to Explore feasibly of switching polling place to nursery Nursery School polling station requires that the School be be found Wauluds Nursery School in the adjacent school shut for the entire day. This is incredibly district (see NWAN) and if not suitable, no inconvenient for parents, particularly change, as there are no alternative suitable Gill Blowers polling places Nursery working parents who need to find other School childcare arrangements sometimes at short notice (e.g. the recent EU elections). It also distrupts the children's learning and interferres with our educational planning

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

REP16 Laura Flitton Wigmore Wigmore Primary School now serves over Investigate the use of an alternative polling Primary school 500 pupils and their families. The school station for this ward. We would look to one Option 1: Wigmore also has the highest percentage of pupils of the community centres in the ward first. Primary No change (see comments below) school with significant Special Educational Needs out of all maintained schools in the area - it Comments: is in the top 5 for all schools in Luton. To be Pros: Least disruptive to electors designated as a polling station has Cons: Does not address the issues raised a significant detrimental impact on all our in representations received, including pupils (especially those with special needs) impact of school closure on children’s and their families. We have expanded and education and on their parents our building has changed from when we were originally designated, as have the needs of our pupils (some of whom have Option 2: flight risk behaviours). As such we Move polling place to Raynham Community cannot remain open to students for polling Centre if the LA wish to use any other room than Comments: the Family Room, which we have been advised is too small. Closing the school for Pros: Addresses all the issues raised in the polling puts our children at a disadvantage representations received, including impact to all others in the area because it is of school closure on children’s education disruptive to their education. It is and on their parents particularly important for the children with Cons: Location of Raynham Community disabilities in our school, which are largely Centre on edge of (WMCS) district is some related to Autism, to have as little change distance from main centre of population, to their routine as possible. This is separated by playing fields especially pertinent in the case of short notice elections, which cause significant Option 3: disruption to over 500 pupils and their Re-position district boundary between parents. Even in the case of elections that WMCS and WMDS districts, so as to move we know of in advance, the arrangement about 850 electors from WMCS to WMDS puts our pupils at a disadvantage to all district, enabling WMCS to be served by a other schools locally. [for instance, next single polling station in the Family Room at year if we are a polling station children will the current polling place (see comments be absent for the 2 days prior to their below) national tests, which isn't the case for the vast majority of other schools]. Parents Comments: regularly report to us that they are unhappy Pros: i. Family Room is spacious enough with us being used as a polling station for a single polling station, enabling the because it means that many of those who school to stay open on election days, with work have to take extra days off. Finally, mitigating measures the physical location of the school is difficult to access for those with disabilities. We are

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

at the top of a steep hill. If the school is ii. Wigmore Church and Community Centre open for polling (for instance, if the Family is already a double station and the extra Room were designated as acceptable for 850 electors would have little impact use in all future elections), the public Cons: Does not address all issues raised in cannot use our car park and do find access the feedback and some displaced electors strenuous. There is also additional cost to from WMCS may have to travel further to the authority in providing security guards to vote at Wigmore Church and Community protect children from the general public. We Centre believe that there must be a suitable location in the ward which will cause less disruption to fewer people if it is used as a polling station

REP17 Richard Wigmore Using the school as a polling station Alternative venues such as Raynham Way See REP16 Toomey Primary school causes disruption to the childrens community centre could be used education

REP18 Nathan Wigmore Closing the school for the day (at short I see no reason why an alternative location See REP16 Spencer Primary school notice in this political climate) disrupts cannot be found. There are many churches children's education and causes childcare around, plus Wigmore Hall conference issues for parents centre.

REP19 Steven Wigmore School has to close when the used a Use only Wigmore Church & not Wigmore See REP16 Lovelock Primary school polling station. I am aware that this causes school. Use alternative venue's like the school challenges with inset days / term Raynam Way Community Centre, this has dates, as well as being inconvenient for appropriate parking & easy access. parents & pupils. As a local resident i do Crawly Green Sports Club could also be wonder why we need Wigmore school & used (if not already done so) Both these Wigmore Church both as polling stations venues would not impact on children's when they are so close together learning.

REP20 Karen Wigmore I don't get why I have to go the school to Let all of Wigmore vote at the church hall, See REP16 Chapman Primary school vote, yet I am literally yards from Wigmore as you are already using it for half the Church. The school usually has to close for estate, why not the rest? pupils but the church hall doesn't, plus it is closer to my house

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

REP21 Samantha Wigmore I don't feel that a school should close for it Everyone to go to the community See REP16 Devane Primary school to be turned into a polling station. It is not centre/church - or find an alternative easy for me to find childcare, and more venue. importantly I don't want my child's Additional comments: Make voting online education interrupted. There is already a either through an app, website or post polling station at the community easier. centre/church just up the road - so why can't we all go there?

REP22 Sandra Wigmore Schools should not be used polling Use Wigmore Church See REP16 Thompson Primary school stations as this disrupts children's learning

REP23 Russell Wigmore It disrupts school life and children from Use Raynham way community See REP16 Davis Primary school learning. Also puts parents out.better centre.....then you don’t have to clise the solution would be to use Raynham way school. Using the school csuses so many Community Centre problems

REP24 Nicola Wigmore Disruption to children's education when Nearby churches are already polling See REP16 Cambridge Primary school the school is used as a polling station. stations, should more be needed then Many other local facilities are already used Raynham Way Community Centre would as polling stations be an ideal location

REP25 Tara Chavda Wigmore The school is an inappropriate choice for a Use the community centre for voting. See REP16 Primary school polling station - it disrupts the children's Wigmore Primary education because we would be forced to school close or make big adjustments if keeping open. We have several children with a high level of need and they need consistency and their safety comes first. We are situated on top of a hill- parking and accessibility would be an issue also. There is a community centre very close by-this would be a better choice.

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

REP26 Jennifer Wigmore My children attend this school and it has to Either use another place or allow the See REP16 Ismail-Boyce Primary school shut for polling which means I have had to school to remain open and use one room take 2 days annual leave this year because etc the school is shut. The school should Additional comments: The council need remain open as usual. to realise that parents shouldnt have to use valuable holiday and spend extra money on childcare to make other arrangements when school shuts and sometimes at very short notice when the education of our children is going to suffer.

REP27 Imran Ali Wigmore It is not Very good to have a school as a Change the polling station to a nearby See REP16 Primary school Polling station due to safeguarding issues establishment which does not have the school has to be closed on polling days safeguarding issues eg Raynham Way and this is detrimental to the students community centre education.

REP28 Mrs Linda Haverings It is fine at the moment, but in the past we Possibly use alternative places such as No change Cottier Training Centre have had to use a school. However, using halls and sports Centres Comments: No plan to return to a school is not acceptable, due to the fact Sommeries Infants School that it interferes with the children's and parent's routine week. It is difficult enough to work, find and pay for childcare without additional days which disrupt their routine

REP29 Amanda Chantry No access. Do postal votes Ramps, Rails Review and assessment access issues, Schafer otherwise no change (Believed refers to Comments: No Chantry Polling Station. Southfield Presume refers to Southfield Primary Primary School. No issues previously identified. School)

REP30 Gemma Warden Hill None Its fine with me No change Williams St Hughs

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

REP31 Georgina Pastures Way As the polling station is @ the nursery we None stated No change Garvey Nursery are lucky + there is already disability St Hughs access

REP32 Mrs Janet Wauluds Infant The pavements. Scooter access Review and assess suitability of proposed Rowe School new polling station (room to be used), otherwise no change in relation to the polling place Comments: New room at nursery school proposed for use subject to suitability assessment.

REP33 Shazia Chaul End The Police had to be called to the centre on Better security in place Review risk assessment, otherwise no Community polling day change Chaul End Centre School Comments: Polling stations are risk assessed and security provided accordingly

REP34 Theresa Ambleside None totally accessible to everyone No change Rhodes

REP35 Miss L Icknield High I have referred your email and attachment No change Cruickshank School to the Head. As no issues were identified at Icknield nor any recommendations made the school does not wish to comment on the review

REP36 Russell All The outcome of the 2014 review appears to We welcome the continued efforts to make Recommendation: Amend booking letter to Cartwright have been broadly satisfactory and we do more polling stations accessible to people polling places to request confirmation all Luton not believe wholesale or substantial with disabilities. Where practical, an facilities working correctly. Otherwise, see changes are necessary with this review. informal inspection of polling places needs recommendations for individual polling Borough places Labour Party to be carried out in advance of known polling days in order to address potential Comments: Noted problems such as faulty lighting (internal and external), suitable furniture and access issues such as the state of ramps, or provision of disabled parking places etc

Appendix A - The Returning Officer Representations and Schedule of Polling Places

Ref. Name Polling Place Issue Suggestion Returning Officer's Recommendations & No. Comments

REP37 Bernadette Denbigh Usual room would no longer be available Use an alternative place, e.g. Blenheim White Primary School due to the school being re-developed Crescent Baptist Church Option 1: (verbal comments received by phone) Denbigh Negotiate with school for an alternative Primary suitable room for election use School Comments: There are no suitable alternative polling places in the district or nearby

Option 2: Move polling place to Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church Comments: Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church is outside the district and was previously ruled out by the Admin and Regulation Committee, as electors would need to pass another polling station, St Andrew’s Church, to get to it