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Home , Ault Hucknall, Bolsover, Bolsover District, Bramley Vale, Clowne

BOLSOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL REVIEW - LABOUR GROUP SUBMISSION

Electoral Review of District Council

Submission of Proposals for New Pattern of Wards to the Local Government Boundary Commission for .

This document sets out the submission of the Labour Group in response to the Local Government Boundary Commission’s invitation to submit proposals for rewarding the Council area.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Guidance on Proposing a Pattern of Wards

3. The Labour Group’s Approach

4. The Labour Group’s Proposals

4.1 – 2 Seats 4.2 Bolsover – 6 Seats 4.3 – 5 Seats 4.4 – 2 seat ward and new Ault and Tibshelf North member ward 4.5 Blackwell – 2 Seats 4.6 - 4 Seats 4.7 with Creswell – 3 Seats 4.8 – 2 Seats 4.9 – 2 Seats 4.10 – 2 Seats 4.11 – 5 Seats 4.12 Whitwell – 2 Seats

5. Conclusions

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1. INTRODUCTION

In 2015, the Boundary Commission confirmed that an electoral review of the district electoral Wards in Bolsover would take place as there were some imbalances in various parts of the District Wards with variances of more than 10% and one ward, Tibshelf, had a electoral variance of 31%.

The review covered the entire Council not just the electoral wards where there was evidence of electoral inequality and consisted of three phases:

Preliminary period - information gathering. Stage 1- Council size i.e. proposals for the total number of Councillors/electoral wards. Stage 2 – area definition i.e. proposals for revised boundaries of electoral wards.

During the first meeting at Wingerworth with Professor Colin Mears, Chair of the Boundary Commission and Jolyon Jackson, CEO of the Boundary Commission, it was highlighted that the Authority should look at their CIPFA family in preparing any subsequent submission with regards to the number of Councillors.

The Professor said that at 37 Members, Bolsover was at the low end within the CIPFA family and could reasonably argue for additional Councillors.

2. GUIDANCE ON PROPOSING A PATTERN OF WARDS

In this stage interested parties were invited to make their proposals. The Commission’s guidance suggested that proposals, supported by evidence, consider the following areas:

 How the proposed ward pattern reflects community identity;

 How recommendations would impact on the community;

 Rationale for the proposed wards.

In terms of evidence, the Commission had three statutory criteria:

1. Electoral Equality – each Councillor within the district should represent approximately the same number of electors;

2. Community Identity - ward boundaries should recognise and support strong community links, such as parishes, shared facilities and transport links;

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3. Effective and Convenient Local Government - wards should be co- herent with good internal communication links. For example, ensuring the Councillor can effectively travel to all parts of his or her ward.

Parish and parish ward boundaries should be adhered to, and consideration will not be given to:

Constituency Boundaries Local political implications School catchment areas Postcodes or addresses Polling districts

3. THE LABOUR GROUP’S APPROACH

The following have been considered and form part of the Labour Group’s proposal:

Summaries of current electorate by polling districts 2016 Projections of total electorate by polling districts 2022 Forecast housing completions 2016-2022 GIS maps using data from the Electoral Registers

4. THE LABOUR GROUP’S PROPOSAL

In order to best meet the requirements of the Boundary Commission i.e. the three statutory criteria (achieve optimum electoral equality, community identity and effective and convenient local government) across the wards, the Labour Group is firmly of the opinion that the Council requires one extra Councillor.

Therefore the number of Councillors would rise from the present 37 which the Commission is currently minded to propose to 38 in order to best achieve the statutory criteria and without detriment to the communities of the Bolsover district area.

The Labour Group consider that rewarding proposals based on 37 Councillors will not satisfy the criteria set by the Commission in terms of reflecting the interests and identities of local communities and promoting effective and convenient local government. Any marginal improvements in equality achieved with 37 Councillors will mean division and disruption to long established and settled communities and ineffectual and inconvenient local government.

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Set out below are the proposed electoral wards including the electorate at 2022 together with the level of variances across the district.

a) Total electorate as at 2016 - 59,480 ÷ 37 = 1,607

b) Total electorate as at 2022 - 62,097 ÷ 37 = 1,678

c) Total electorate as at 2022 - 62,097 ÷ 38 = 1,634

The optimum electoral equality as per the Boundary Commission is 1,678 as at b).

Breakdown of Wards with 37 Councillors and proposed 38 Councillors together with the variations

This proposal aims to increase Councillors to 38 to reflect minimum change and cause least disruptions to existing ward boundaries and minimise confusion to the represented electorate.

With regard to the 2022 estimates the key issues would be Barlborough, Bolsover, Tibshelf and Shirebrook Wards where there is expected to be the greatest variance with electoral equality (+ or - 10%).

4.1 Barlborough

It is proposed to retain two Councillors in this Ward with no changes to the current ward boundaries.

The equality (with 37 Councillors in 2022) would be 2,838 ÷ 2 = 1,419, which gives a variance of -15% - but with 38 Councillors improves to -13%.

Whilst this is above the electoral equality, the rationale behind this is to protect the identity and interests of communities in the distinctive village of Barlborough and also ensure that Councillors are able to effectively represent the electors.

Any further marginal improvement in equality would, in the opinion of the Labour Group, be very much at the expense of community identity and representation.

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4.2 Bolsover

It is proposed to retain six Councillors across the three wards in Bolsover.

The electoral equality (with 37 Councillors in 2022) would range from 1,531 to 1,642, electors per Councillor across the 3 wards and the variances in those wards would be between -12% and -2%. However, with 38 Councillors the variance improves to between -9% and 0%)

With 38 Councillors the variances for each existing ward would be as follows:-

Bolsover South 0% Bolsover West -9% Bolsover North West -6%

It is possible that the equality could be improved further by redrawing the present ward boundaries provided the other two criteria, namely the identity and effective representation, are fully met. However, the Labour Group are not proposing any changes to the existing ward boundaries.

Whilst it is not directly relevant to this review the Commission should be aware that significant housing development is planned for the Bolsover area (for example the redevelopment of the Coalite site and the Welbeck Road development).

4.3 Shirebrook

It is proposed to retain five Councillors across the 5 single member wards in Shirebrook and improve the electoral variances by rewarding within the extent of the current Shirebrook ward boundaries.

The electoral equality (with 37 Councillors in 2022) would range from 1,275 to 2,400, electors per Councillor across the 5 wards and the variances in those wards would be between -6% and +43%. With 38 Councillors this would change to between -3% and +47%.

The Labour Group propose to improve equality in the Shirebrook area by redrawing the boundaries in accordance with the attached plan and list of streets.

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With 38 Councillors the variances after redrawing the boundaries would be as follows:-

New Ward name No. of New electoral variance Electors in (with 38 Councillors) New Ward Shirebrook North East 1682 +3% Shirebrook South East 1680 +3% Shirebrook South West 1803 +10% Shirebrook North West 1613 -1% Shirebrook West 1650 -1%

The Labour Group is of the opinion that redrawing the ward boundaries as indicated would meet the Commission’s criteria of improving equality and maintaining community identity and effective representation.

4.4 Tibshelf

The 2022 electorate forecast for Tibshelf is 4,400. The current ward is represented by 2 Councillors. The electoral variance forecast for 2022 (with 37 Councillors) is +31%.

Increasing the Council size to 38 would facilitate an additional Councillor in this area. This would address the significant imbalance by improving electoral equality within the current ward boundary to -10%. However, the Labour Group are further proposing the creation of a single member ward to include the parish of and a small part of Tibshelf North.

The remainder of the current Tibshelf Ward would continue to be represented by two Councillors.

The Labour Group is of the opinion that the creation of the single member ward including the Ault Hucknall parish improves community ties and identity and provides for more effective representation.

It is recognised that the -10% is at the maximum of the tolerance however, the Group consider that the current ward boundary has a strong community identity and provides effective representation.

In order to create the single member Ault Hucknall and Tibshelf North ward it is proposed to transfer 1460 electors (from the current Tibshelf Ward) into the new ward.

The new ward would comprise the Parish of Ault Hucknall and would include all properties in the northern part of Tibshelf from the northern side of Road/High Street (part) to its boundary with the parish.

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This would include the following:-

The Parish of Ault Hucknall comprising polling districts KC1 (), KD1 () and KF1 () (1005 electors)

311 electors in properties moving east along the B6014 to the district council boundary including the following:-

Chesterfield Road Nos 15-83 and 108-18, together with properties off Chesterfield Road, including Biggin Farm, Cedar Farm, The Cedars, Cedar Cottage and The Fields Hawthorn Avenue Mansfield Road (part) 12,22,21,23 including Ascot House, Beechwood, Conifers, Holmefield, Hurst Farm, Lyndhurst & Nyumba Kidogo Victoria Terrace Meadow Close

144 electors in properties moving south west along the B6014 including the following:-

High Street (part) 200 -160 Addison Street King Street Waverley Street

The new single member ward Ault Hucknall and Tibshelf North ward would comprise 1460 electors. This would give an electoral variance of -10.6%

The remaining part of Tibshelf would comprise 2940 electors (4400- 1460) ÷ 2 Councillors = 1470 electors per Councillor. This would give an electoral variance of -10%.

Other current electoral Wards

The Labour Group is not proposing any changes to the remaining wards as listed below. It is considered that the current wards have very strong community ties with effective representation. To seek to make marginal improvements in equality in these areas would be at the expense of community identity and not accordance with the statutory criteria.

4.5 Blackwell

It is proposed to retain two Councillors in this ward. The 2022 electorate forecast means each Councillor would represent 1,792 electors giving an equality of +7%. However, with 38 Councillors this would become +10%.

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4.6 Clowne

It is proposed to retain four Councillors across Clowne North and Clowne South wards. The 2022 electorate forecast means each Councillor would represent either 1,566 or 1,676 electors giving an equality of 0% and -7%. However, with 38 Councillors Clowne North would become -4% and Clowne South +3%.

4.7 Elmton with Creswell

It is proposed to retain three Councillors in this ward. The 2022 electorate forecast means each Councillor would represent 1,664, giving an equality of -1%. However, with 38 Councillors this would become +2%.

4.8 Pinxton

It is proposed to retain two Councillors in this ward. The 2022 electorate forecast means each Councillor would represent 1,662, electors giving an equality of -1%. However, with 38 Councillors this would become +2%.

4.9 Pleasley

It is proposed to retain two Councillors in this ward. The 2022 electorate forecast means each Councillor would represent 1,612, electors giving an equality of -4%. However, with 38 Councillors this would improve to -1%.

4.10 Scarcliffe

It is proposed to retain two Councillors in this ward. The 2022 electorate forecast means each Councillor would represent 1,612, equality giving an equality of -4%. However, with 38 Councillors this would improve to -1%.

4.11 South Normanton

It is proposed to retain five Councillors across South Normanton West and South Normanton East wards. The 2022 electorate forecast means each Councillor would represent either 1,788 or 1,793, electors giving an equality of +7% in both wards. However, with 38 Councillors South Normanton West would become +9% and South Normanton East +10%.

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4.12 Whitwell

It is proposed to retain two Councillors in this ward. The 2022 electorate forecast means each Councillor would represent 1,551, electors giving an equality of -8%. However, with 38 Councillors this would improve to -5%.

5. CONCLUSION

This is the proposed warding of Bolsover District Council and is the Labour Group’s submission to meet the Boundary Commission rewarding criteria.

Bolsover lies in the north east corner of and comprises of four Market Towns and numerous small villages each of which has very distinctive community identity. Our submission is based on maintaining the community identity of these areas whilst still being able to adequately represent the constituents within the prescribed wards.

The proposals outlined above make significant improvements in electoral equality across the Bolsover District with only Barlborough Ward (-13%) and the new Ault Hucknall and Tibshelf North ward (-10.6%) marginally outside of the Commission’s +/-10% tolerance when compared to the 7 wards (with 37 councillors) forecast in 2022 to have electoral variances in excess of the tolerance.

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SHIREBROOK SHIREBROOK SHIREBROOK SHIREBROOK SHIREBROOK NORTH EAST SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST WEST NORTH WEST Alandale Avenue 69 Acreage Lane 29 Eider Close 13 Acorn Ridge 79 Albine Road 64 Brookfield Crescent 118 Briar Close 47 Leen Valley 211 Birch Grove 26 Alder Close 45 Laburnum Avenue 40 Brunner Avenue 113 Main Street 7 Carter Lane West 54 Alder House 16 Langwith Road 8 Central Drive 165 Mallard Close 19 Chestnut Drive 118 Alderway 348 Lilac Grove 36 Church Court 15 New Barn Close 49 Common Lane 80 Almond Avenue 12 Orchard Close 28 Church Drive 152 Station View 39 Elm Tree Avenue 92 Arcadia Avenue 15 Park Road 164 Coronation Drive 9 Teal Close 55 Hawthorne Avenue 56 Ash Grove 50 Springfield Avenue 112 Field Drive 121 The Peak 44 Hazel Crescent 58 Bramble Close 12 Stubbins Wood 35 Prospect Drive 65 Vicarage Close 8 Highcliffe Avenue 26 Cedar Close 20 The Close 2 Recreation Drive 84 Welfare Close 28 Hill Crest 74 Cherry Close 12 Thickley Bank 9 Sherwood Drive 16 Bluebell Close 22 Larch Avenue 31 Fern Close 25 Valley Road 177 South Avenue 75 Bracken Road 170 Limes Crescent 18 Fir Close 19 Woodside Road 27 Swanwick Avenue 48 Campion Close 9 Little Lane 15 Haddon Place 21 Park Road 58 The Colonade 13 Carnation Road 39 Oak Avenue 24 Highfield Avenue 50 Austin Street 13 The Hollies 38 Hillsway 54 Slant Lane 160 Jasmin Close 12 Bank Close 30 Vale Drive 65 Lavender Close 30 The Paddock 7 Laurel Close49 Langwith Road 130 Wood Lane 54 Leen Valley 21 Yew Tree Drive 98 Mrytle Close 20 Linden Grove 15 Stuffyn Wood 5 Lupin Close 20 Olive Avenue 102 Linden Street 42 Ashbourne Court 26 Main Street 97 Carter Lane 78 Pear Tree Drive 108 Manvers Court 13 Central Close 21 Orchid Way 50 Garden Avenue 80 Recreation Road 124 Manvers Street 3 Central Drive 10 Poppy Close 26 Hardwick Avenue 29 Rowan Drive 14 New Linden Street 36 Great Northern 7 Primula Close 36 Hill Top Avenue 18 The Bassett 19 Burlington Avenue 111 Hardwick Street 5 Riding Hill 8 Mayflower Court 31 Willow Avenue 74 East View 9 Herward Close 46 Stinting Lane 90 Park Avenue 66 Chatsworth Avenue 37 Eland Road 31 King Edward 6 Sunflower Close 26 Rockley Way 52 Recreation Road 52 Langwith Road 67 Long Lane 56 The Coppice 36 Sherwood Avenue 45 Station Road 59 Ridgeway 137 Market Close 19 The Knoll 17 Summit Drive 9 The Crescent 32 Station Road 17 Market Place 4 The Leaway 40 The Rocklands 31 Albine Road 47 The Close 54 Market Street 11 The Nook 16 Thoresby Avenue 20 Boundary Close 17 Nicholson Row 15 The Spinney 27 Beech Terrace 13 Recreation Road 49 Patchwork Row 9 Violet Close 12 Byron Street 37 Recreation View 29 Station Road 91 Portland Road 9 Carter Lane 38 The Bassett 19 Sookholne Close 4 Embankment Close 22 Division Road 12 Vaughan Place 28 Sookholme Road 67 Main Street 22 Pine Close 13 Station Road 45 The Croft 18 Thickley Close 120 Warren Terrace 75 Victoria Street 10 Great Northern 2 York Road 56

1,682 1,680 1,363 1,650 1,613 plus 3% plus 3% New properties 258 minus 1% minus 1%

1,363 + 440 1,803 plus 10%