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LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR

REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS REPORT AND PROPOSALS

COUNTY OF

June 2012

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COUNTY OF GWYNEDD

REPORT AND PROPOSALS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

3. SCOPE AND OBJECT OF THE REVIEW

4. DRAFT PROPOSALS

5. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT PROPOSALS

6. ASSESSMENT

7. PROPOSALS

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

9. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS APPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 4 MINISTER’S DIRECTIONS AND ADDITIONAL LETTER APPENDIX 5 SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO DRAFT PROPOSALS

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales Caradog House 1-6 St Andrews Place CF10 3BE Tel Number: (029) 2039 5031 Fax Number: (029) 2039 5250 E-mail [email protected] www.lgbc-wales.gov.uk

FOREWORD

This is the report containing our Final Proposals for Gwynedd County Council.

In January 2009, the then Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr Brian Gibbons, asked the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales to review the electoral arrangements in each principal local authority.

The Commission’s Draft Proposals in respect of Gwynedd were published in September 2010. Since the publication of the Draft Proposals, interim Commissioners were appointed to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales during the summer of 2011.

The Commission appointed in the summer of 2011 considered the final proposals that had previously been prepared for publication. The Commission has taken into account all the representations made as part of the consultation process on the draft proposals and in the light of the agreed Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice paper. The Commission considers that these final proposals are likely to provide for effective and convenient local government in Gwynedd and publishes these final proposals on that basis.

Max Caller CBE

Interim Chair Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales June 2012

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Mr Carl Sargeant Minister for Local Government and Communities Welsh Government

REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COUNTY OF GWYNEDD

REPORT AND PROPOSALS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In accordance with the directions issued by the Minister on 13 January 2009, we, the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales (the Commission), have completed the review of electoral arrangements for the County of Gwynedd and present our Final Proposals for the future electoral arrangements. A glossary of terms used in this report can be found at Appendix 1. In 2012 the County of Gwynedd has an electorate of 84,927. At present it is divided into 71 divisions returning 75 councillors with 67 electoral divisions 94% being single-member and 4 electoral divisions 6% being multi-member. The average number of electors to each councillor for the County is currently 1,132. The existing electoral arrangements have a level of representation that ranges from 54% below to 61% above the current county average. The present electoral arrangements are set out in detail in Appendix 2.

2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

2.1 We propose a reduction in the council size from 75 to 66 elected members, representing 55 electoral divisions of which 10 are multi-member, which will achieve an improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County of Gwynedd. The average number of electors to each councillor for the County is proposed to be 1,287. The proposed electoral arrangements have a level of representation that ranges from 29% below to 32% above the proposed county average. The proposed electoral arrangements are set out in detail in Appendix 3.

3. SCOPE AND OBJECT OF THE REVIEW

3.1 Section 57 of the Local Government Act 1972 (the 1972 Act) lays upon the Commission the duty, at intervals of not less than ten and not more than fifteen years, to review the electoral arrangements for every principal area in Wales for the purpose of considering whether or not to make proposals to the Welsh Assembly Government for a change in those electoral arrangements.

3.2 The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government of the Welsh Assembly Government directed the Commission to submit a report in respect of the review of electoral arrangements for the County of Gwynedd by 30 June 2011. However, during June 2011, the review process was suspended. Following the appointment of interim Commissioners in the summer of 2011, a re-examination of the reviews was undertaken, and the Gwynedd Final Report, which had been prepared previously, was considered to be best able to facilitate effective and convenient

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local government. The Commissioners wrote to the Minister on 30 March 2012 informing him of the outcome of the review of reviews.

Electoral Arrangements

3.3 The “electoral arrangements” of a principal area are defined in Section 78 of the Act as:

i) the total number of councillors to be elected to the council;

ii) the number and boundaries of electoral divisions;

iii) the number of councillors to be elected for each electoral division; and

iv) the name of any electoral division.

Rules to Be Observed Considering Electoral Arrangements

3.4 We are required by Section 78 to comply, so far as is reasonably practicable, with the rules set out in Schedule 11 of the Act. These require the Commission to provide for there to be a single member for each electoral division. However, the Welsh Government may direct the Commission to consider the desirability of providing for multi-member electoral divisions for the whole or part of a principal area.

3.5 The rules also require that:

Having regard to any change in the number or distribution of local government electors of the principal area likely to take place within the period of five years immediately following consideration of the electoral arrangements:

i) subject to paragraph (ii), the number of local government electors shall be, as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral division in the principal area;

ii) where there are one or more multi-member divisions, the ratio of the number of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected shall be, as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral division in the principal area (including any that are not multi-member divisions);

iii) every ward of a community having a community council (whether separate or common) shall lie wholly within a single electoral division; and

iv) every community which is not divided into community wards shall lie wholly within a single electoral division.

In considering the electoral arrangements we must have regard to (a) the desirability of fixing boundaries which are and will remain easily identifiable; and (b) any local ties which would be broken by the fixing of any particular boundary.

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Minister’s Directions

3.6 The Minister has directed that we shall consider the desirability of multi-member electoral divisions in each county and county borough council in Wales.

3.7 The Minister has also given the following directions to us for our guidance in conducting the review:

(a) it is considered that a minimum number of 30 councillors is required for the proper management of the affairs of a county or county borough council;

(b) it is considered that, in order to minimise the risk of a county council or a county borough council becoming unwieldy and difficult to manage, a maximum number of 75 councillors is ordinarily required for the proper management of the affairs of a county or a county borough council;

(c) it is considered that the aim should be to achieve electoral divisions with a councillor to electorate ratio no lower than 1:1,750;

(d) it is considered that decisions to alter the existing pattern of multi- and single-member electoral divisions should only be taken where such proposals for alteration are broadly supported by the electorate in so far as their views can be obtained in fulfilment of the consultation requirement contained in Section 60 of the Act; and

(e) it is considered that the Commission shall, when conducting reviews under Part 4 of the Act, comply with paragraph 1A of Schedule 11 to the Act that is, the Rules.

The full text of the Directions is at Appendix 4. The Directions were further confirmed in a letter from the Minister on 12 May 2009. A copy of this letter follows the Directions at Appendix 4.

Local Government Changes

3.8 Since the last review of electoral arrangements there have been six changes to local government boundaries in Gwynedd:

• The Community of (Ward Boundaries) Order 2003 • The Community of Bangor (Ward Boundaries) Orders 2004 • The Community of (Ward Boundaries) Order 2004 • The Community of Bethesda (Ward Boundaries) Order 2007 • The Community of (Ward Boundaries) Order 2007 • The Community of (Ward Boundaries) Order 2007

These made changes to boundaries between community wards and these revised boundaries will be used when forming the electoral divisions.

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Procedure

3.9 Section 60 of the Act lays down procedural guidelines which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In compliance with Section 60 of the Act we wrote on 10 November 2009 to Gwynedd County Council, all the community councils in the area, the Members of Parliament for the local constituencies and other interested parties to inform them of our intention to conduct the review, to request their preliminary views and to provide a copy of the Welsh Assembly Government’s directions to the Commission. We invited the County Council to submit a suggested scheme or schemes for new electoral arrangements. We also publicised our intention to conduct the review in local newspapers circulating in the County and asked Gwynedd County Council to display a number of public notices in their area. We also made available copies of our electoral reviews guidance booklet. In addition, we made a presentation to both County and Community councillors explaining the review process.

4. DRAFT PROPOSALS

4.1 Prior to the formulation of our draft proposals we received representations from Gwynedd County Council; City of Bangor Council; two community councils; seven councillors; and three other interested bodies and residents. These representations were taken into consideration and summarised in our Draft Proposals report published on 20 September 2010. The following is a summary of our Draft Proposals. Please note that the electoral figures shown in this section are the latest (2012) figures provided by Gwynedd County Council and may differ from the earlier (2009) figures used in the Draft Proposals report.

Aberdaron, and

4.2 The electoral division consists of the Community of Aberdaron with 733 electors (737 projected) represented by one councillor which is 35% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Botwnnog electoral division consists of the Community of Botwnnog with a total of 700 electors (673 projected) represented by one councillor which is 38% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Tudweiliog electoral division consists of the Community of Tudweiliog with a total of 665 electors (631 projected) represented by one councillor which is 41% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such a high level of representation in comparison with the current county average was not appropriate for the area and consideration was therefore given to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvement in electoral parity.

4.3 In our Draft Proposals report we considered the option of combining the Aberdaron, Botwnnog and Tudweiliog electoral divisions to form an electoral division with a total of 2,098 electors (2,041 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would have a level of representation of 1,049 electors per councillor which was 19% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. By reducing the number of councillors representing the area from three to two this brought the level of representation in the area closer to the county average. It did, however, create a multi-member electoral division and as such did not meet

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Gwynedd County Council’s preference for compact single-member electoral divisions.

4.4 The Community of Aberdaron consists of the East with 155 electors (139 projected), North with 202 electors (211 projected) and South with 376 electors (387 projected) wards. The Community of Botwnnog consists of the Botwnnog 241 electors (241 projected), 269 electors (270 projected) and Meillteyrn 190 electors (162 projected) wards. The Community of Tudweiliog consists of the Dinas 289 electors (279 projected), 112 electors (113 projected) and Tudweiliog 264 electors (239 projected) wards. In our Draft Proposals report we considered that the three Communities of Aberdaron, Botwnnog and Tudweiliog were similar in topography and in socio-economic terms and that community ties existed between the communities and between adjoining community wards. As an alternative therefore an option was considered that utilised the communities and, where they existed, the community wards.

4.5 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Community of Aberdaron 733 electors (737 projected) and the Bryncroes 269 electors (270 projected) ward of the Community of Botwnnog to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,002 (1,007 projected) represented by one councillor which was 22% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In addition, in our Draft Proposals report, we proposed combining the Community of Tudweiliog 665 electors (631 projected) and the Botwnnog 241 electors (241 projected) and Meillteyrn 190 (162 projected) wards of the Community of Botwnnog to form a new electoral division with a total electorate of 1,096 (1,034 projected) represented by one councillor which was 15% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This option did not improve the electoral parity as much as the first option but, by also reducing the number of councillors representing the area from three to two, it did bring the level of representation in the area closer to the county average as well as providing an arrangement of single- member electoral divisions. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral divisions the working names of Aberdaron and Tudweiliog respectively and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Aberdovey and / Mawddwy

4.6 The Aberdovey electoral division consists of the Communities of Aberdovey 667 electors (620 projected) and 293 electors (320 projected) with a total of 960 electors (940 projected) represented by one councillor which is 15% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Corris / Mawddwy electoral division consists of the Communities of Corris 458 electors (433 projected) and Mawddwy 459 electors (454 projected) with a total of 917 electors (887 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such a high level of representation in comparison with the county average was not appropriate for the area and consideration was, therefore, given to changing the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.7 We considered that the Community of Corris had better road links with the adjoining Community of Pennal than with the Community of Mawddwy and it appeared to us

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likely to have greater community ties with Pennal than with Mawddwy. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed adding the Community of Corris to the Aberdovey electoral division to form an electoral division with a total of 1,418 electors (1,373 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would be 10% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this proposal did not meet the request to include no more than two communities in an electoral division but it did make a significant improvement in the level of parity for the area and at the same time retaining single-member electoral divisions. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Aberdovey and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names. This proposal left the Community of Mawddwy outside any electoral division; we addressed this at 4.53 below.

Bryncrug / Llanfihangel and Llangelynin

4.8 The / Llanfihangel electoral division consists of the Communities of Bryncrug 505 electors (509 projected) and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant 256 electors (252 projected) with a total of 761 electors (761 projected) represented by one councillor which is 33% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such a high level of representation in comparison with the county average was not appropriate for the area and consideration was, therefore, given to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.9 When the topography of the area was considered it was noted that the options for joining the Communities of Bryncrug and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant were limited in that they may be considered to have links only with the Communities of Tywyn (in the Tywyn electoral division) and (in the Llangelynin electoral division). It appeared to us that of the two areas, the Communities of Bryncrug and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant are more closely aligned to the similar rural Community of Llanegryn than the seaside town of Tywyn. We therefore considered including the Communities of Bryncrug and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant within the same electoral division as the Community of Llanegryn which is currently in the Llangelynin electoral division.

4.10 The existing Llangelynin electoral division consists of the Communities of 787 electors (700 projected), Llanegryn 239 electors (228 projected) and Llangelynin 544 electors (557 projected) with a total of 1,570 electors (1,485 projected) represented by one councillor which is 39% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

4.11 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Communities of Bryncrug, Llanegryn and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,000 (989 projected) represented by one councillor which was 22% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This proposal did not meet the request to include no more than two communities in an electoral division but made an improvement in the level of parity for the area whilst at the same time retaining single-member electoral divisions. The advantages of improving electoral parity and retaining single-member electoral divisions in this case outweighed any disadvantages that could result from failing to

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meet the request for no more than two communities within an electoral division. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Bryncrug as this had the largest number of electors of the three Communities and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

4.12 In our Draft Proposals report we removed the Community of Llanegryn from the existing Llangelynin electoral division which left the Communities of Arthog and Llangelynin. We proposed that these two communities form a new electoral division with a total of 1,331 electors (1,257 projected) represented by one councillor which was 3% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this proposal made an improvement in the level of parity for the area at the same time retaining a single-member electoral division. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Arthog, this having the larger number of electors of the two Communities and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Bontnewydd and Llanwnda

4.13 The Bontnewydd electoral division consists of the Community of Bontnewydd with 836 electors (824 projected) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Llanwnda electoral division consists of the Community of Llanwnda with 1,457 electors (1,391 projected) represented by one councillor which is 29% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such variances of representation in comparison with the county average were not appropriate for the area and consideration was, therefore, given to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in the area of Bontnewydd and Llanwnda in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.14 In our Draft Proposals report we considered various alternative arrangements for the area utilising the communities and the community wards of the adjoining areas of the Communities of Bontnewydd, , Llanwnda and . One of the options we considered was to combine wards of the Communities of Bontnewydd, Waunfawr and Llanwnda, as suggested by Councillor James of Waunfawr Community Council. We also considered the suggestion from a resident of to combine the Bontnewydd and Llanwnda electoral divisions. In all the various alternative arrangements we considered, we looked to form single- member electoral divisions, but we were unable to create electoral divisions that provided a significant improvement in electoral parity over the existing arrangements. We therefore considered alternative arrangements that included the creation of a multi-member electoral division.

4.15 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Bontnewydd and Llanwnda electoral divisions to form an electoral division with a total of 2,293 electors (2,215 projected) represented by two councillors, with a level of representation of 1,147 electors per councillor which was 11% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this proposal did not retain single-member electoral divisions but made a significant improvement in the level of electoral parity for the area and at the same time met the request to include no more than two communities in an electoral division. In our

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Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Bontnewydd and Llanwnda and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Clynnog and

4.16 The Clynnog electoral division consists of the Community of with 723 electors (741 projected) represented by one councillor which is 36% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The adjoining Llanllyfni electoral division consists of the Llanllyfni 499 electors (475 projected), 156 electors (161 projected) and Nebo 221 electors (227 projected) wards of the Community of Llanllyfni with a total of 876 electors (863 projected) represented by one councillor which is 23% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We were concerned to address the variation in the level of representation that exists between these two electoral divisions and those of the adjoining areas of , Penygroes and and in particular the high level of representation in the Clynnog and Llanllyfni electoral divisions. We therefore considered making changes to the electoral arrangements for the area.

4.17 In our Draft Proposals report we considered combining the Clynnog and Llanllyfni electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,599 (1,604 projected) represented by one councillor which was 24% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In addition, in our Draft Proposals report, we noted that this proposal did not meet the request from Gwynedd County Council to retain the Arfon / Dwyfor / Meirionnydd district boundary (Llanllyfni is in Arfon and Clynnog is in Dwyfor). The Draft Proposal did however retain the pattern of single-member electoral divisions and did make an improvement in the level of electoral parity for the area. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Clynnog and Llanllyfni and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Bangor Electoral Divisions (Deiniol, Dewi, Garth, Glyder, Hendre, Hirael, Marchog and Menai [Bangor])

4.18 The Bangor electoral divisions, in the main, correspond to the Bangor community wards of the same names. The Community of Bangor (Ward Boundaries) Orders 2004 made minor changes to the boundary between the Deiniol and Hirael wards and the boundary between the Garth and Menai wards. This had resulted in minor anomalies between the community wards and the electoral divisions. As a minimum change we would seek to rectify these anomalies.

4.19 The Deiniol electoral division consists of the Deiniol ward of the Community of Bangor with 537 electors (495 projected) represented by one councillor which is 53% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Dewi electoral division consists of the Dewi ward of the Community of Bangor with 1,238 electors (1,299 projected) represented by one councillor which is 9% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Garth electoral division consists of the Garth ward of the Community of Bangor with 524 electors (412 projected) represented by one councillor which is 54% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Glyder electoral division

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consists of the Glyder ward of the Community of Bangor with 1,382 electors (1,519 projected) represented by one councillor which is 22% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Hendre electoral division consists of the Hendre ward of the Community of Bangor with 989 electors (1,090 projected) represented by one councillor which is 13% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Hirael electoral division consists of the Hirael ward of the Community of Bangor with 957 electors (985 projected) represented by one councillor which is 15% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Marchog electoral division consists of the Marchog ward of the Community of Bangor with 1,386 electors (1,339 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 693 electors per councillor which is 39% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Menai (Bangor) electoral division consists of the Menai ward of the Community of Bangor with 2,450 electors (2,600 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,225 electors per councillor which is 8% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In total the Community of Bangor has 9,463 electors (9,739 projected) and is represented by ten councillors with an average level of representation of 946 electors per councillor which is 16% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

4.20 We noted the representation from the City of Bangor Council which asked for changes to the community boundary but, as explained at paragraphs 6.1 to 6.4 below, we were unable to consider such changes as part of this review. The City Council also asked the Commission to take account of the students and others who are not on the electoral roll and the effect of Bangor being a shopping and employment centre. We noted that the electorate of the Menai ward had increased because of students being added to the register. We took account of this increase when considering the electoral arrangements. Having considered the points raised in this representation, we were however of the view that it was not appropriate for Bangor to have such a disproportionately high level of representation and for there to exist such a wide variation in the level of representation between electoral divisions that are formed from wards of the same community. We therefore considered a reduction in the number of councillors representing the area and a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.21 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Deiniol and Hendre wards of the Community of Bangor to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,526 electors (1,585 projected) represented by one councillor which was 19% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We considered that this arrangement provided a significant improvement in electoral parity over the existing arrangements. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Deiniol and Hendre and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

4.22 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Garth and Hirael wards to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,481 (1,397 projected) represented by one councillor which was 15% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We considered that this arrangement provided an improvement in electoral parity over the existing arrangements as the

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existing Garth electoral division is 41% below the Draft Proposals county average. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Garth and Hirael and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

4.23 The existing Marchog electoral division has 1,386 electors (1,339 projected) represented by two councillors. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed that if the Marchog electoral division were to be represented by one councillor the level of representation would be 8% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We considered that this arrangement provided a significant improvement in electoral parity over the existing arrangements. In our Draft Proposals report, we retained the name Marchog for this electoral division.

4.24 The existing Menai (Bangor) electoral division has 2,450 electors (2,600 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,225 electors per councillor which is the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We therefore proposed two councillors representing the Menai (Bangor) electoral division to be an appropriate level of representation. It was also proposed that the existing Dewi electoral division with 1,238 electors (1,299 projected) represented by one councillor and the existing Glyder electoral division with 1,382 electors (1,519 projected) represented by one councillor were retained.

4.25 These proposals led to a reduction in the number of councillors representing the Bangor electoral divisions from ten to seven and produced a significant improvement in electoral parity in comparison with the Draft Proposals county average and across the Bangor electoral divisions. These proposals also rectified the minor anomalies between the community wards and the electoral divisions that have arisen as a result of the Community of Bangor (Ward Boundaries) Orders 2004.

Dolbenmaen and -

4.26 The existing electoral division consists of the Bryncir 84 electors (79 projected), Garn 308 electors (310 projected), Golan 158 electors (150 projected), Penmorfa 131 electors (90 projected) and Treflys 239 electors (250 projected) wards of the Community of Dolbenmaen with a total of 920 electors (879 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Porthmadog-Tremadog electoral division consists of the Community of 389 electors (376 projected), the 96 electors (108 projected) ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen and the Tremadog 457 electors (446 projected) ward of the Community of Porthmadog with a total of 942 electors (930 projected) represented by one councillor which is 17% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We noted the variance of levels of representation in comparison with the current county average, and that the Porthmadog-Tremadog electoral division consisted of parts of three communities. Consideration was therefore given to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in the area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity and to form electoral divisions that consisted of fewer communities.

4.27 We noted that the whole of the Community of Dolbenmaen was in the same electoral division with the exception of the Prenteg ward, which was in the

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Porthmadog-Tremadog electoral division. We noted that the only links between the Tremadog Ward of the Community of Porthmadog and the Community of Beddgelert was through the Prenteg ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen with which it has good road links. We considered therefore that it would be desirable in terms of effective and convenient local government for the Prenteg ward to be included within an electoral division containing the remainder of the Community of Dolbenmaen. In the Draft Proposals report we considered that it would be desirable to include the Community of Beddgelert within the same electoral division as the neighbouring Prenteg ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen.

4.28 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Community of Beddgelert and the Community of Dolbenmaen to form a new electoral division with a total electorate of 1,405 electors (1,363 projected) represented by one councillor, which was 9% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this proposal made an improvement in the level of parity in the area, whilst retaining a single-member electoral division. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Dolbenmaen as this has the larger number of electors of the two communities and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names. This proposal left the Tremadog ward of the Community of Porthmadog outside any electoral division; which has been addressed at paragraph 4.61 below.

Dolgellau Electoral Divisions (Dolgellau North and Dolgellau South)

4.29 The Dolgellau North electoral division consists of the Northern ward of the Community of Dolgellau with 896 electors (839 projected) represented by one councillor which is 21% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Dolgellau South electoral division consists of the Southern ward of the Community of Dolgellau with 1,053 electors (1,066 projected) represented by one councillor which is 7% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such a variance between wards of the same community to be unacceptable. We therefore considered a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.30 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the two Dolgellau electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,949 (1,905 projected) represented by two councillors which was 24% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that although this proposal did not retain single-member electoral divisions, it did improve the level of electoral parity for the area. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Dolgellau and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Ffestiniog Electoral Divisions (Bowydd & Rhiw, Diffwys & Maenofferen and Teigl)

4.31 The Community of is divided for community electoral purposes into the wards of Bowydd and Rhiw 1,004 electors (965 projected), Conglwal 728 electors (732 projected), Cynfal and Teigl 623 electors (608 projected), Diffwys and Maenofferen 755 electors (648 projected) and 214 electors (208

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projected). These are combined to form the County Council electoral divisions of Bowydd & Rhiw, Diffwys & Maenofferen and Teigl.

4.32 The Bowydd & Rhiw electoral division consists of the Bowydd and Rhiw and Tanygrisiau wards of the Community of Ffestiniog with a total of 1,218 electors (1,173 projected) represented by one councillor which is 8% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Diffwys & Maenofferen electoral division consists of the Diffwys and Maenofferen ward of the Community of Ffestiniog with a total of 755 electors (648 projected) represented by one councillor which is 33% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Teigl electoral division consists of the Conglwal and Cynfal and Teigl wards of the Community of Ffestiniog with a total of 1,351 electors (1,340 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that it was not appropriate for such a wide variation in representation to exist between electoral divisions that are formed from wards of the same community, and for the Diffwys & Maenofferen electoral division to have such a high level of representation. We therefore considered a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity. We considered various combinations of the community wards in forming single-member electoral divisions but were unable to create electoral divisions that provided a significant improvement in electoral parity over the existing arrangements. We therefore considered alternative arrangements that included the creation of a multi-member electoral division.

4.33 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Conglwal, Cynfal and Teigl, and Diffwys and Maenofferen wards of the Community of Ffestiniog to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 2,106 (1,988 projected) represented by two councillors, which was 18% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We considered that this arrangement improved the level of electoral parity for the area. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Dwyrain Ffestiniog as we wished to avoid a long name which contained elements of all of the community ward names and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

4.34 This left the existing Bowydd & Rhiw electoral division unchanged with 1,218 electors (1,173 projected) represented by one councillor which was 5% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Nefyn Electoral Divisions ( and ) and Efail-newydd / Buan

4.35 The existing Nefyn electoral division consists of the Nefyn ward of the Community of Nefyn with 964 electors (892 projected) represented by one councillor which is 15% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Morfa Nefyn electoral division consists of the Edern 298 electors (297 projected) and Morfa Nefyn 638 electors (634 projected) wards of the Community of Nefyn with 936 electors (931 projected) represented by one councillor which is 17% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Efail- newydd / Buan electoral division consists of the Community of Buan 385 electors (374 projected) and the Efail-newydd 376 electors (346 projected) and Pentre- uchaf 244 electors (256 projected) wards of the Community of with a total

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of 1,005 electors (976 projected) represented by one councillor which is 11% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In making our Draft Proposals, we were of the view that the level of representation in comparison with the current county average was too high and considered a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.36 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Nefyn ward of the Community of Nefyn and the Bodfuan ward of the Community of Buan to form a new electoral division with a total electorate of 1,082 electors (1,010 projected) represented by one councillor which was 16% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this would form a single- member electoral division and improve the level of electoral parity for the area. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Dwyrain Nefyn and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

4.37 In our Draft Proposals report we also proposed combining the Edern and Morfa Nefyn wards of the Community of Nefyn and the and Bachellaeth wards of the Community of Buan to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,203 (1,187 projected) represented by one councillor which was 7% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this would form a single-member electoral division and improve the level of electoral parity in the area. In our Draft Proposals report, we gave the electoral division a working name of Morfa Nefyn and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

4.38 In making our Draft Proposals we considered the local ties that may be broken by placing the Buan Community ward of the Community of Llannor into a different electoral division from the Efail-newydd and Pentre-uchaf wards. We considered however that the Buan Community wards have community ties with the Nefyn Community wards that are equally as strong as those they have with the Llannor Community wards and that the Draft Proposals report would not be detrimental in this respect. These proposals left the Efail-newydd and Pentre-uchaf wards of the Community of Llannor outside any electoral division; we addressed this at 4.45 and 4.46 below.

Dyffryn Ardudwy, and

4.39 The existing Llanbedr electoral division consists of the Communities of Llanbedr 432 electors (424 projected) and Llanfair 375 electors (370 projected) with a total of 807 electors (794 projected) represented by one councillor which is 29% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such a high level of representation in comparison with the current county average was not appropriate for the area. In order to achieve improvements in electoral parity we therefore considered a change to the existing electoral arrangements in the Llanbedr and adjoining areas. To the north, Llanbedr adjoins the Harlech electoral division and to the South the electoral division. We noted that the and Brithdir & / / electoral divisions lying to the east of Llanbedr had no direct road links to Llanbedr and for that reason such an arrangement was not appropriate.

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4.40 The existing Dyffryn Ardudwy electoral division consists of the Community of Dyffryn Ardudwy with a total of 1,175 electors (1,161 projected) represented by one councillor which is 4% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Harlech electoral division consists of the Communities of Harlech 1,049 electors (1,046 projected) and 442 electors (455 projected) with a total of 1,491 electors (1,501 projected) represented by one councillor which is 32% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered a number of alternative arrangements for combining the various communities and community wards that make up the Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech and Llanbedr electoral divisions. We considered arrangements that would retain single-member divisions in the area but were unable to form such electoral divisions that were not either significantly under- or over-represented. We, therefore, considered the desirability of a multi-member arrangement.

4.41 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Harlech and Llanbedr electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 2,298 electors (2,295 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,149 electors per councillor which was 11% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this did not meet the request to include no more than two communities in an electoral division nor did it provide for a pattern of single-member electoral divisions; it did however significantly improve the level of electoral parity for the area. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Harlech and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

4.42 In making our Draft Proposals we did consider alternative arrangements that would have made changes to the existing Dyffryn Ardudwy electoral division. We came to the view however that the existing electoral division should be retained. We therefore made no proposals at that stage for change to the Dyffryn Ardudwy electoral division.

Efail-newydd / Buan, and Llannor

4.43 The existing Llanbedrog electoral division consists of the Community of Llanbedrog with 781 electors (725 projected) represented by one councillor which is 31% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing electoral division consists of the Abererch 450 electors (404 projected) and Y Ffôr 548 electors (547 projected) wards of the Community of Llannor with a total of 998 electors (951 projected) represented by one councillor which is 12% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such a high level of representation in comparison with the current county average was not appropriate for the area and consideration was, therefore, given to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.44 In our Draft Proposals report we noted the representation from Councillor Penri Jones (Llanbedrog) who made similar comments to those in the representations from Gwynedd County Council and ’s Dwyfor Meirionnydd Electoral Committee regarding taking into account the number of residents and summer visitors. We took account of these representations when considering the electoral

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arrangements for the area. We also noted that Councillor Penri Jones also asked that we take into consideration future developments in the area. We did this by taking account of the forecast electoral figures supplied by Gwynedd County Council.

4.45 Under our Draft Proposals, for the Dwyrain Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn electoral divisions at 4.38 above, the Pentre-uchaf ward of the Community of Llannor was outside any electoral division. As the Pentre-uchaf ward is part of the same Llannor Community as the Abererch and Y Ffôr wards we considered there were existing community ties between these areas. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Abererch, Pentre-uchaf and Y Ffôr wards of the Community of Llannor to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,242 (1,207 projected) represented by one councillor, which was 3% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this formed a single-member electoral division and improved the level of electoral parity in the area. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Y Ffôr (which is the ward with the highest electorate) and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

4.46 Under our Draft Proposals for the Dwyrain Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn electoral divisions at 4.38 above, the Efail-newydd ward of the Community of Llannor fell outside any electoral division. We noted that the Efail-newydd ward had good road links with the Community of Llanbedrog and it appeared likely to us to have community ties with Llanbedrog that were similar to those it had with the Community of Buan (with which it was currently combined in the Efail-newydd / Buan electoral division). In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Efail-newydd ward of the Community of Llannor with the Community of Llanbedrog to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,157 (1,071 projected) represented by one councillor which was 10% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted that this proposal formed a single-member electoral division improving the level of electoral parity in the area. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Llanbedrog and welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Llanengan Electoral Divisions ( and Llanengan)

4.47 The existing Abersoch electoral division consists of the Abersoch ward of the Community of Llanengan with 558 electors (458 projected) represented by one councillor which is 51% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Llanengan electoral division consists of the Llanengan 339 electors (349 projected) and 490 electors (442 projected) wards of the Community of Llanengan with a total of 829 electors (791 projected) represented by one councillor which is 27% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such a high level of representation in comparison with the current county average was not appropriate for the area in general and for the Abersoch electoral division in particular. Consideration was therefore given to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

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4.48 In our Draft Proposal report we noted the representation from County Councillor R Hywel Wyn Williams (Abersoch), who made similar comments to the representations from Gwynedd County Council and Plaid Cymru’s Dwyfor Meirionnydd Electoral Committee regarding taking into account the number of residents and summer visitors. We took account of these representations when considering the electoral arrangements for the area.

4.49 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Abersoch and Llanengan electoral divisions to form a new electoral division with a total of 1,387 electors (1,249 projected) represented by one councillor, which would have a level of representation which is 8% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This proposal led to a reduction in the number of councillors who represent the area of the Community of Llanengan from two to one and produced a significant improvement in electoral parity in comparison with the Draft Proposals county average. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the proposed electoral division a working name of Llanengan and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Llanrug Electoral Divisions (Cwm-y-Glo and )

4.50 The existing Cwm-y-Glo electoral division consists of the Ceunant 289 electors (303 projected) and Cwm-y-Glo 407 electors (403 projected) wards of the Community of Llanrug with a total of 696 electors (706 projected) represented by one councillor which is 39% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Llanrug electoral division consists of the Llanrug ward of the Community of Llanrug with a total of 1,318 electors (1,283 projected) represented by one councillor which is 16% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that it was not appropriate for such a wide variation in the level of representation to exist between electoral divisions that are formed from wards of the same community. Consideration was therefore given to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.51 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Cwm-y-Glo and Llanrug electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 2,014 (1,989 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,007 electors per councillor which was 22% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This proposal created a multi-member electoral division but retained the same number of councillors representing the area achieving an improvement in electoral parity. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Llanrug and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Corris / Mawddwy and

4.52 The Llanuwchllyn electoral division consists of the Community of Llanuwchllyn 509 electors (508 projected) and the Community of 191 electors (197 projected) with a total of 700 electors (705 projected) represented by one councillor which is 38% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that such a high level of representation in comparison with the

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county average was not appropriate for the area and consideration was, therefore, given to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.53 The Community of Mawddwy 459 electors (454 projected) is currently included within the Corris / Mawddwy electoral division. In our Draft Proposals report, referred to at 4.7 above, we included the Community of Corris within the Aberdovey electoral division. We considered that the Community of Mawddwy had ties with the Community of Llanuwchllyn and that it would be appropriate to include the Community of Mawddwy within the Llanuwchllyn electoral division. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed that the electoral division would consist of the Communities of Llangywer, Llanuwchllyn and Mawddwy with a total of 1,159 electors (1,159 projected) represented by one councillor which is 10% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Llanuwchllyn and Mawddwy and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Caernarfon Electoral Divisions (Cadnant, Menai, Peblig, Seiont)

4.54 The Community of Caernarfon is divided, for community electoral purposes, into the community wards of Deheuol 1,429 electors (1,492 projected), Dwyrain 1,405 electors (1,386 projected), Gogledd 1,818 electors (1,741 projected) and Gorllewin 2,272 electors (2,298 projected) giving a total of 6,924 electors (6,917 projected). These community wards are arranged into four electoral divisions with a total representation of five councillors. The Cadnant electoral division consists of the Dwyrain ward of the Community of Caernarfon with 1,405 electors (1,386 projected) represented by one councillor is 24% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Menai (Caernarfon) electoral division consists of the Gogledd ward of the Community of Caernarfon with a total of 1,818 electors (1,741 projected) represented by one councillor which is 61% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Peblig (Caernarfon) electoral division consists of the Deheuol ward of the Community of Caernarfon with 1,429 electors (1,492 projected) represented by one councillor which is 26% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Seiont electoral division consists of the Gorllewin ward of the Community of Caernarfon with 2,272 electors (2,298 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,136 electors per councillor which is close to the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

4.55 In our Draft Proposals report we considered that it was not appropriate for such a wide variation in the level of representation to exist between electoral divisions that are formed from wards of the same community; and we were concerned, in particular, about the low level of representation in the Menai (Caernarfon) electoral division when compared to the current county average. We therefore considered a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity. We considered a number of alternative arrangements to improve the degree of electoral parity between the Caernarfon electoral divisions but they all involved the creation of electoral divisions with three or more councillors. We noted that in their representation Gwynedd County Council stated that they would prefer single-member divisions but where multi-member divisions were necessary they

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considered that electoral divisions should have no more than three councillors. Having noted the Council’s view and because it would be out of line with the rest of the County, we decided against the option of creating a single electoral division for Caernarfon represented by five councillors.

4.56 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Menai (Caernarfon) and Seiont electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 4,090 electors (4,039 projected) represented by three councillors with a level of representation of 1,363 electors per councillor which was 6% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This left the existing single-member Cadnant and Peblig (Caernarfon) electoral divisions unchanged. In our Draft Proposals report we considered that, despite creating a three-member electoral division, it provided a significant improvement in terms of electoral parity over the existing arrangements. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Menai and Seiont and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names.

Penrhyndeudraeth

4.57 The existing electoral division consists of the Communities of 332 electors (336 projected) and Penrhyndeudraeth 1,482 electors (1,438 projected) with a total of 1,814 electors (1,774 projected) represented by one councillor which is 60% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. We considered that the Penrhyndeudraeth electoral division had an unacceptably low level of representation in comparison with the county average and we therefore gave consideration to a change to the existing electoral arrangements in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

4.58 In our Draft Proposals report we considered that if the Community of Penrhyndeudraeth were to form an electoral division on its own it would have 1,482 electors represented by one councillor which was 13% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This, however, left the Community of Llanfrothen outside any electoral division and, because of the topography of the area, appeared to us only to have very limited ties with adjoining communities. In our Draft Proposals report we considered creating electoral divisions that combined the Community of Llanfrothen with either the adjoining Community of Beddgelert or the adjoining Community of Tremadog but all of these options had one or more of the following disadvantages: forming a multi-member division; crossing the Dwyfor / Meirionnydd boundary; including three communities within an electoral division; or, combining communities where there is limited evidence of community ties between the areas. Retaining the existing arrangements however meant that the electoral division would be 41% above the proposed county average. Despite this concern, and in the absence of any suitable alternatives, in our Draft Proposals report we proposed that the existing Penrhyndeudraeth electoral division be retained and welcomed any suggestions for alternative arrangements for this area.

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Porthmadog Electoral Divisions (, Porthmadog West and Porthmadog-Tremadog)

4.59 The Community of Porthmadog is divided, for community electoral purposes, into the community wards of East 683 electors (611 projected), Gest 283 electors (261 projected), 453 electors (422 projected), Tremadog 457 electors (446 projected), West 600 electors (633 projected) and Ynys Galch 439 electors (407 projected) giving a total of 2,915 electors (2,780 projected). These community wards are arranged into three electoral divisions. The existing Porthmadog East electoral division consists of the East and Ynys Galch wards of the Community of Porthmadog with a total of 1,122 electors (1,018 projected) represented by one councillor which is 1% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Porthmadog West electoral division consists of the Gest, Morfa Bychan and West wards of the Community of Porthmadog with a total of 1,336 electors (1,316 projected) represented by one councillor which is 18% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Porthmadog-Tremadog electoral division consists of the Community of Beddgelert (389 electors), the Prenteg (96 electors) ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen and the Tremadog ward (457 electors) of the Community of Porthmadog with a total of 942 electors (930 projected) represented by one councillor which is 17% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

4.60 At paragraph 4.28 above it was proposed to include the Community of Beddgelert and the Prenteg ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen within the new Dolbenmaen electoral division. This left the Tremadog ward of the Community of Porthmadog outside any electoral division. We considered forming an electoral division consisting of the whole of the Community of Porthmadog with a total of 2,915 electors (2,780 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would have a level of representation of 1,458 electors per councillor which is 13% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We noted the representations that expressed a preference for single-member electoral divisions and considered an arrangement that would create single-member electoral divisions and at the same time considering the issue of electoral parity.

4.61 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the East, Tremadog and Ynys Galch Wards of the Community of Porthmadog to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,579 (1,464 projected) represented by one councillor with a level of representation which was 23% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we gave the electoral division a working name of Porthmadog East and we welcomed any suggestions for alternative names. In addition, in our Draft Proposals report we proposed the retention of the existing Porthmadog West electoral division with 1,336 electors (1,316 projected) which was 4% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. Although this did not provide the same level of improvement in electoral parity as the multi-member option it did retain a single- member division arrangement for the area.

4.62 Copies of the Draft Proposals were sent to those listed in paragraph 3.9 seeking their views. A copy was also sent to anyone who had submitted preliminary comments. By public notice we also invited any other organisation or person with

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an interest in the review to submit their views. Copies of the Draft Proposals were made available for inspection at the offices of Gwynedd County Council and the Commission.

5. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT PROPOSALS

5.1 In response to our Draft Proposals report we received representations from 24 Town and Community Councils, 16 Councillors and 5 interested bodies. A summary of these representations can be found at Appendix 5.

6. ASSESSMENT

Request for a Community Boundary Change

6.1 Before considering the electoral arrangements for the County of Gwynedd, we must respond to the representations that asked us to make changes to electoral division boundaries that are community or community ward boundaries. For such changes to take place it would first be necessary to undertake a review of community or community ward boundaries. It is evident from these requests that uncertainty exists about the appropriate machinery for effecting such reviews. We therefore set out the statutory position.

6.2 Section 55(2) of the Act requires each principal council in Wales to keep the whole of their area under review for the purpose of considering whether to make recommendations to us for the constitution of new communities, the abolition of communities or the alteration of communities in their area. We then consider the principal council’s proposals and report to the Welsh Government which may, if it thinks fit, by order give effect to any of the proposals.

6.3 Under Section 57(4) of the Act, the principal councils also have a duty to keep under review the electoral arrangements (which include the community ward boundaries) for the communities within their areas, for the purpose of considering whether to make substantive changes. The principal councils must also consider requests for changes made by a community council or by not less than thirty local government electors of a community and, if they think fit, make an order giving effect to those changes.

6.4 Changes to the boundaries of communities and community wards are therefore a matter for the principal council to consider in the first instance and cannot be considered as part of this review. We have used the community and community wards as they existed at the start of this review as the building blocks for the proposed electoral divisions.

Council Size

6.5 At present the size of the council at 75 members is at the maximum of the numerical limits advised in the Minister’s direction. The current member to electorate ratio for the council is 1:1,132, which is 35% below 1,750 electors per

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councillor (see Councillor to electorate ratio below). There are currently 4 multi- member divisions out of a total of 71 electoral divisions.

6.6 We reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County of Gwynedd in the light of the Welsh Assembly Government’s directions for our guidance and took account of the representations which had been made to us. In our deliberations we considered the ratio of the number of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected, with a view to ensuring that the number of local government electors shall be, as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral division in the principal area. We looked at the present multi-member divisions to consider if we should recommend the creation of single-member divisions. We considered the size and character of the principal council area and a wide range of other factors including population density, the local topography, road communications and local ties.

6.7 For the reasons given below we believe that in the interests of effective and convenient local government a council size of 66 representing 55 electoral divisions - of which 10 are multi-member - would be appropriate to represent the County of Gwynedd. The proposed council size results in an average of 1,287 electors being represented by each councillor which is 26% below the ratio of 1,750 electors per councillor.

6.8 The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales published a Council Size Policy Consultation Paper during mid-May 2012. The paper proposes a new approach towards how Council Size should be considered as part of an electoral review. It should be noted that this Final Proposals review report has not taken any changes to the proposed council size into consideration, as the current direction is still valid.

Councillor to electorate ratio

6.9 The Minister's directions include the following at 3.7 (a): "It is considered that the aim should be to achieve electoral divisions with a councillor to electorate ratio no lower than 1:1,750.” The Minister has indicated to us that this means that the number of electors per councillor should not normally fall below 1,750, and this is how we have interpreted and applied the Direction. We bear in mind that the directions are provided as guidance and should not be applied without regard to the special circumstances of the particular area: there may well be factors relating, for example, to topography of the area where it will be considered that an electoral division of fewer than 1,750 electors to be represented by each councillor is appropriate. This was explained in the letter from the Minister (Appendix 4) which stated: “This means that the ratio remains as the aim to be worked towards and not as a goal to be achieved in each case. In doing so attention should be paid to local communities having their own identifiable representation even where the indicative figure of 1,750 electors / councillor is not always achievable”. In the absence of special circumstances we aim to propose electoral arrangements in which the level of representation does not fall below 1,750 electors per councillor. We are not constrained in the same way by this direction from proposing electoral arrangements in which the number of electors to be represented by each councillor is, in appropriate cases, higher than 1,750. Throughout this review we have kept

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the ratio of 1:1,750 very much in mind, but have not referred to it expressly in every case.

Number of Electors

6.10 At the time of our Draft Proposals we used the 2009 electoral statistics which were current at the start of the review. We have subsequently received updated statistics from Gwynedd County Council (shown in Appendix 2 as the electorate for 2012 and the estimates for the electorate in the year 2017) and have decided to use these figures in formulating our Final Proposals.

Electoral Divisions

6.11 We have considered the boundaries of the existing electoral divisions of Aberdovey, Abererch, Abermaw, Arllechwedd, Bethel, Bowydd & Rhiw, Brithdir & Llanfachreth / Ganllwyd / Llanelltyd, Cadnant, Corris and Mawddwy, , , Efail-newydd / Buan, Glyder, , , Marchog, Ogwen, Peblig (Caernarfon), Penisarwaun, Pentir, Penygroes, Porthmadog West, North, , Trawsfynydd, and Mynydd Llandygái, Tywyn and and the ratio and number of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected and we propose that the existing arrangements should continue. We proposed changes to the remaining electoral divisions. Details of the current electoral arrangements for the area can be found at Appendix 2.

6.12 In the following section the proposals for each of the new electoral divisions are laid out in the same way. The first part of the initial paragraph for each new electoral division to be considered gives an historical context by listing all the existing electoral divisions or their component parts used to construct each proposed electoral division. These components - the communities and community wards - are described as a complete community together with its current and projected electorates if it was used as such. If only part of a community is used - i.e. a community ward - then the name of that community ward, its electorate figures, and the name of its community will be shown as such. Finally, in each new electoral division, the component parts of that proposal are listed in the same way - either as whole communities with current and projected electorates, or as a named community ward, its electorate figures and the name of its community - as before. This method of describing the make-up of electoral divisions is also used in the tables at Appendices 2 and 3.

Aberdaron, Botwnnog and Tudweiliog

6.13 The existing Aberdaron electoral division consists of the Community of Aberdaron with 733 electors (737 projected) represented by one councillor which is 35% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Botwnnog electoral division consists of the Community of Botwnnog with a total of 700 electors (673 projected) represented by one councillor which is 38% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Tudweiliog electoral division consists of the Community of Tudweiliog with a total of 665 electors (631 projected) represented by one councillor which is 41% below the

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current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Community of Aberdaron 733 electors and the Bryncroes 269 electors ward of the Community of Botwnnog to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,002 (1,007 projected) represented by one councillor which was 22% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We also proposed combining the Community of Tudweiliog (665 electors) and the Botwnnog (241 electors) and Meillteyrn (190 electors) wards of the Community of Botwnnog to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,096 (1,034 projected) represented by one councillor which was 15% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.14 We received an objection from Councillor Glyn Roberts (Botwnnog) who made general comments on the review as a whole and was not in favour of multi-member divisions that, he stated, create uncertainty among the electorate and duplication of work for the elected members. He stated that although the Commission said that community connections had been taken into account, he thought that those connections had been disregarded in the case of Botwnnog with the proposal of abolishing the division and splitting the Community between the proposed Aberdaron and Tudweiliog divisions. He considered that these proposals ignore the close inter-relationship between Bryncroes and Sarn (in the Meillteyrn ward) as evidenced by the shared nursery school, Memorial Hall and local carnival.

6.15 We understand the points made by Councillor Roberts and welcomed his representation. Whilst it is correct that reorganisation of the electoral divisions is achieved by relocating one of three wards of Botwnnog (at present constituting a separate division) to one division and the remaining two wards to another, it is not correct that we have set out with the objective of abolishing the Community of Botwnnog. In outline, what we have proposed is that three existing electoral divisions, each with a substantial degree of over-representation, be reorganised so as to constitute two new divisions, thus improving electoral parity. Secondly we note the Councillor’s preference for single-member divisions but, so far as the arrangement proposed for these divisions is concerned, although there is an overall reduction in the number of councillors from three to two, both the proposed divisions are single-member. With regard to the points made by Councillor Roberts as to facilities shared with Sarn (the nursery school, the Memorial Hall), this is a feature of village life generally and is by no means unique to the area under consideration. It is considered that the redistribution proposed by the Commission would not have the effect of disrupting these ties or limiting the use of these facilities. Were we to retain the whole of the Community of Botwnnog together in an electoral division this would have the effect of removing the Bryncroes ward from the proposed Aberdaron electoral division leaving it with just 733 electors, which would result in a level of representation that is 43% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In addition, adding the Bryncroes ward to the proposed Tudweiliog electoral division would increase the electorate to 1,365 electors which, if represented by one councillor, is 6% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We do not consider that it would be appropriate for such a wide variation in the level of representation to exist between adjoining electoral divisions and we would be concerned in particular about the significantly high level of representation in the Aberdaron electoral division. We

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therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that our Draft Proposals are taken forward.

6.16 We propose an Aberdaron electoral division consisting of the Community of Aberdaron (733 electors) and the Bryncroes (269 electors) ward of the Community of Botwnnog with a total of 1,002 electors (1,007 projected) represented by one councillor which is 22% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We also propose a Tudweiliog electoral division consisting of the Community of Tudweiliog (665 electors), and the Botwnnog (241 electors) and Meillteyrn (190 electors) wards of the Community of Botwnnog with a total of 1,096 electors (1,034 projected) represented by one councillor which is 15% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Aberdovey, Corris / Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn

6.17 The Aberdovey electoral division consists of the Communities of Aberdovey 667 electors (620 projected) and Pennal 293 electors (320 projected) with a total of 960 electors (940 projected) represented by one councillor which is 15% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Corris / Mawddwy electoral division consists of the Communities of Corris 458 electors (433 projected) and Mawddwy 459 electors (454 projected) with a total of 917 electors (887 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Llanuwchllyn electoral division consists of the Community of Llanuwchllyn 509 electors (508 projected) and the Community of Llangywer 191 electors (197 projected) with a total of 700 electors (705 projected) represented by one councillor which is 38% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed adding the Community of Corris to the Aberdovey electoral division to form an electoral division consisting of the Communities of Aberdovey, Corris and Pennal with a total of 1,418 electors (1,373 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would be 10% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we also proposed that a new electoral division would be formed consisting of the Communities of Llangywer, Llanuwchllyn and Mawddwy with a total of 1,159 electors (1,159 projected) represented by one councillor which is 10% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.18 In respect of the proposed Aberdovey electoral division we received an objection from Corris Community Council who stated that we had taken no account of geography in the area and that they disagreed with the assumption that Corris has greater community links with Pennal as opposed to Mawddwy. They did not disagree that there are links with Pennal, but stated that they had nothing in common with Aberdovey and did not want to come under the wing of a Councillor from that area due to the imbalance of relative populations. Community Council wrote to say that they were happy that they were not being joined with Tywyn, and pleased that the electoral division was to retain its name. However, it was concerned over the increase in population for the division and the additional work that entailed for the elected member, especially over the summer months when second home owners were in residence. We also noted the representation from Mawddwy Community Council which stated that there was a natural

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connection between Mawddwy and Corris. We took on board the comments from these three Community Councils and as we note the advantage in retaining community links that are in place and working well, we have looked again at our proposed arrangements for this area.

6.19 In respect of the proposed Llanuwchllyn and Mawddwy electoral division, we received an objection from Llanuwchllyn Community Council stating that there was no natural link between the communities of Llanuwchllyn and Mawddwy. They also stated that there are social and topographical features that impact upon the joining of these communities, and that they are separated by Bwlch y Groes, which makes it impracticable to travel directly from one community to the other. We also received an objection from Mawddwy Community Council opposing the joining of Mawddwy with Llanuwchllyn. The Independent Group commented on the fact that Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn are separated by the highest pass in Wales which is closed due to inclement weather for three months of the year. We have taken all objections into consideration and recognise the existing community ties as stated in the representations received. We understand the objections from Llanuwchllyn and Mawddwy regarding the topographical obstacle that exists between them, and consider that they have merit and decided to act upon the information provided. Therefore, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, we propose that the existing arrangements are retained with Aberdovey and Pennal forming an electoral division called Aberdovey with 960 electors (940 projected) represented by one councillor which will be 25% below the proposed county average of 1,287. In addition, we propose to retain the existing arrangements so that Corris and Mawddwy form an electoral division called Corris and Mawddwy with 917 electors (887 projected) represented by one councillor which will be 29% below the proposed county average of 1,287. These proposals would leave Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer outside any electoral division, and this is considered at paragraphs 6.20-6.23 below.

Bala, and Llanuwchllyn

6.20 The Bala electoral division consists of the Community of Bala 1,362 electors (1,326 projected) represented by one councillor which is 20% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Llandderfel electoral division consists of the Community of Llandderfel 830 electors (803 projected) and the Community of Llanycil 306 electors (300 projected) with a total of 1,136 electors (1,103 projected) represented by one councillor which is close to the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Llanuwchllyn electoral division consists of the Community of Llanuwchllyn 509 electors (508 projected) and the Community of Llangywer 191 electors (197 projected) with a total of 700 electors (705 projected) represented by one councillor which is 38% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed retaining the existing Bala electoral division with a total of 1,362 electors which is 6% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We also proposed retaining the existing Llandderfel electoral division with a total of 1,136 electors which is 12% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we also proposed that a new electoral division would be formed consisting of the Communities of Llangywer, Llanuwchllyn and Mawddwy with a total of 1,159 electors (1,159 projected) represented by one

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councillor which is 10% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.21 In their representation Llanuwchllyn Community Council stress their links with the Penllyn area (the Bala, Llandderfel and Llanuwchllyn Communities) and the lack of such links with Mawddwy. In their representation, the Independent Group also object to the proposal to link Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer with Mawddwy. They consider that it would be better to form an electoral division consisting of Bala, Llandderfel, Llanycil, Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer to be represented by two councillors. also objected to the Draft Proposal in respect of Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer, and suggested combining Llangywer and Bala to form an electoral division and to combine Llandderfel, Llanycil and Llanuwchllyn to form an electoral division. The proposal at paragraph 6.19 above meets these objections by not linking Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer in an electoral division with Mawddwy but it leaves them outside any electoral division. Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer are currently combined to form an existing electoral division with a total of 700 electors but, as we considered in our Draft Proposals report, such a high level of representation in comparison with the county average is not appropriate. We have therefore given further consideration to changes to the electoral arrangements in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

6.22 The suggestion by the Independent Group would create a Bala electoral division consisting of the Communities of Bala, Llandderfel, Llanycil, Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer with a total of 3,198 electors (3,134 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,599 electors per councillor which is 24% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. The suggestions by Llais Gwynedd would create two single-member electoral divisions, - Tegid and Penllyn Wledig. Tegid would consist of the Communities of Bala and Llangywer with a total of 1,553 electors (1,523 projected) represented by one councillor with a level of representation which is 21% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. Penllyn Wledig would consist of the Communities of Llandderfel, Llanycil and Llanuwchllyn with a total of 1,645 electors (1,611 projected) represented by one councillor with a level of representation which is 28% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We have also considered, as an alternative, two single-member division arrangements. A Bala electoral division consisting of the Communities of Bala and Llanycil with a total of 1,668 electors (1,626 projected) represented by one councillor which is 30% above the proposed county average, and a Llandderfel and Llanwchllyn electoral division consisting of the Communities of Llanuwchllyn, Llangywer and Llandderfel with a total of 1,530 electors (1,508 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% above the proposed county average.

6.23 The two-member option suggested by the Independent Group would provide a better level of electoral parity in comparison with the other two options. The improvement is however marginal and does not meet the general preference that has been expressed in the representations for single-member electoral divisions. Of the two single-member options the second (one division consisting Bala and Llanycil and one division consisting Llanuwchllyn, Llangywer and Llandderfel) gives marginally better parity. In terms of community ties we consider that the village of Llanycil lies on the outskirts of the town of Bala and is linked to it by the A494 trunk

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road, whereas the village of Llangywer is some three miles from Bala along the B4403. Although it appears to us that both areas have community ties with Bala, the closer proximity and the better parity achieved favours the second of the two- member options. Therefore, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, we propose that an electoral division is formed consisting of the Communities of Bala and Llanycil with a total of 1,668 electors (1,626 projected) to be represented by one councillor with a level of representation that is 30% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division is Bala. We also propose in the interests of effective and convenient local government that an electoral division is formed consisting of the Communities of Llanuwchllyn, Llangywer and Llandderfel with a total of 1,530 electors (1,508 projected) to be represented by one councillor with a level of representation that is 19% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Penllyn Wledig.

Bryncrug / Llanfihangel Y Pennant and Llangelynin

6.24 The Bryncrug / Llanfihangel electoral division consists of the Communities of Bryncrug 505 electors (509 projected) and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant 256 electors (252 projected) with a total of 761 electors (761 projected) represented by one councillor which is 33% below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Llangelynin electoral division consists of the Communities of Arthog 787 electors (700 projected), Llanegryn 239 electors (228 projected) and Llangelynin 544 electors (557 projected) with a total of 1,570 electors (1,485 projected) represented by one councillor which is 39% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Communities of Bryncrug, Llanegryn and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,000 (989 projected) represented by one councillor which was 22% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In addition, in our Draft Proposals report we removed the Community of Llanegryn from the existing Llangelynin electoral division which left the Communities of Arthog and Llangelynin to form a new electoral division with a total of 1,331 electors (1,257 projected) represented by one councillor which was 3% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.25 We received no objections to the proposal to join Bryncrug, Llanegryn and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant. Bryncrug Community council wrote to agree with the proposal and suggested changing the name to Bro Dysynni. Llanfihangel-y- Pennant Community Council also wrote with no objection to the proposals but suggested a name change to either Dysynni or Ystumanner. The Independent Group suggested renaming the division Dysynni. We received no representations regarding the proposal to join Arthog and Llangelynin.

6.26 We note the representations and considered that as there were no objections to the Draft Proposals to join Bryncrug, Llanegryn and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, we propose in the interests of effective and convenient local government that the Draft Proposals are retained. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Bro Dysynni. We also note that as there were no objections to the proposal to join

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Arthog and Llangelynin, we propose in the interests of effective and convenient local government that the Draft Proposal be retained. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Arthog.

Bontnewydd and Llanwnda

6.27 The Bontnewydd electoral division consists of the Community of Bontnewydd with 836 electors (824 projected) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Llanwnda electoral division consists of the Community of Llanwnda with 1,457 electors (1,391 projected) represented by one councillor which is 29% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Talysarn electoral division consists of the Talysarn ward of the Community of Llanllyfni 651 electors (645 projected), and the Carmel 379 electors (400 projected) and Cesarea 226 electors (227 projected) wards of the Community of with a total of 1,256 electors (1,272 projected) represented by one councillor which is 11% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Groeslon electoral division consists of the 415 electors (420 projected) and Groeslon 877 electors (868 projected) wards of the Community of Llandwrog with a total of 1,292 electors (1,288 projected) represented by one councillor which is 14% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Waunfawr electoral division consists of the Communities of 176 electors (166 projected) and Waunfawr 1,079 electors (1,109 projected) with a total of 1,255 electors (1,275 projected) represented by one councillor which is 11% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Bontnewydd and Llanwnda electoral divisions to form an electoral division with a total of 2,293 electors (2,215 projected) represented by two councillors, with a level of representation of 1,147 electors per councillor which was 11% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals no changes were proposed to the Groeslon, Talysarn and Waunfawr electoral divisions.

6.28 We received an objection from Llanwnda Community Council stating that there are no historical links between Bontnewydd and Llanwnda and that it would make more sense to merge Bontnewydd with Waunfawr and . They also mentioned that increasing what was already a large area would make the task of representing the electorate an impossible one, exacerbating the difficulty of recruiting potential candidates and they see no benefits to the proposals. Bontnewydd Community Council stated that they accept the proposal although they stated that this would not be ideal. They suggested that consideration should be given to combining the Caeathro ward of Waunfawr and the Dinas ward of Llanwnda with Bontnewydd to form one division. Llais Gwynedd suggested combining the Carmel and Cesarea wards of the Community of Llandwrog and the Community of Bontnewydd to form an electoral division with the name Bontnewydd and Carmel. We have noted however that the Carmel and Cesarea wards of the Community of Llandwrog are not adjacent to Bontnewydd; they are divided by the Community of Llanwnda. We do not consider therefore that such a combination would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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6.29 We considered the objection from Llanwnda Community Council and the comments made by Bontnewydd Community Council. We have explored different combinations and the suggestions made by both Community Councils to merge Bontnewydd with the Caeathro ward of the Community of Waunfawr. The existing Waunfawr electoral division consists of the Communities of Bettws Garmon and Waunfawr with 1,255 electors. Removing the Caeathro ward of the Community of Waunfawr from the Waunfawr electoral division would leave this with 862 electors which would be 33% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We considered, however, the local ties between the areas within the existing Waunfawr electoral division that may be disrupted as a result of this suggested arrangement. We are of the view that that the existing Waunfawr electoral division, with 1,255 electors represented by one councillor, should be retained.

6.30 We have, however, noted Bontnewydd Community Council’s suggestion that consideration may be given to combining the Community of Bontnewydd with the Dinas ward of the Community of Llanwnda. Although Llanwnda Community Council stated that there are no historical links between Llanwnda and Bontnewydd, Bontnewydd Community Council’s suggestion indicates that they consider that they do at least have links with the Dinas ward of the Community of Llanwnda. We have noted the good road links between the two areas and consider that there are no barriers that would prevent such community ties. We have also noted that several representations express a preference for single-member electoral divisions and consider that this suggested arrangement would facilitate the creation of a single-member electoral division in this area. We propose, therefore, that in the interests of effective and convenient local government, the Community of Bontnewydd be combined with the Dinas ward of the Community of Llanwnda to form an electoral division with 1,356 electors (1,302 projected) represented by one councillor which would be 5% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Bontnewydd and Dinas.

6.31 We then considered the current electoral divisions of Llanwnda, Groeslon and Talysarn which cover the Communities of Llanwnda, Llandwrog and the Talysarn ward of the Community of Llanllyfni. The proposal for Bontnewydd and Dinas at 6.30 above means the Rhostryfan and wards of the Community of Llanwnda will now not be combined with Bontnewydd as proposed in the Draft Proposals report. We have, therefore, considered alternative arrangements for the area. We took into account the geographical features and transport links of the area as a whole, and considered combining the Rhostryfan and Rhosgadfan wards of the Community of Llanwnda with the Carmel and Cesarea wards of the Community of Llandwrog (from the existing Talysarn electoral division) as there are a number of road links between them and they share similar topography. This electoral division would have a total of 1,542 electors which is 20% above the proposed county average. Whilst we note that such an arrangement would not provide the improvement in the level of electoral parity achieved by our Draft Proposals for this area, it does improve on the existing arrangements and meets the local preference for a single-member electoral division. Therefore, we propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that the Rhostryfan and Rhosgadfan wards of the Community of Llanwnda are combined with the

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Carmel and Cesarea wards of the Community of Llandwrog to form an electoral division with a total of 1,542 electors (1,540 projected) represented by a single member which is 20% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall beTryfan. This proposal would then leave the Talysarn ward of the Community of Llanllyfni outside any electoral division. This has been considered in paragraph 6.35 below. These proposals leave the Groeslon electoral division unchanged, with 1,292 electors represented by one councillor which would be close to the county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Clynnog and Llanllyfni

6.32 The Clynnog electoral division consists of the Community of Clynnog Fawr with 723 electors (741 projected) represented by one councillor which is 36% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The adjoining Llanllyfni electoral division consists of the Llanllyfni 499 electors (475 projected), Nantlle 156 electors (161 projected) and Nebo 221 electors (227 projected) wards of the Community of Llanllyfni with a total of 876 electors (863 projected) represented by one councillor which is 23% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report, we considered combining the Clynnog and Llanllyfni electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,599 (1,604 projected) represented by one councillor which was 24% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In addition, in our Draft Proposals report, we noted that this proposal did not meet the request from Gwynedd County Council to retain the Arfon / Dwyfor / Meirionnydd district boundary (Llanllyfni is in Arfon and Clynnog is in Dwyfor).

6.33 Llanllyfni Community Council wrote stating that the proposal crossed the Arfon / Dwyfor boundary which could cause confusion amongst the electorate. Dyffryn Nantlle had no links with Clynnog and previous reorganisation of the wards of Talysarn, Fron and Carmel has been unsuccessful, leading to administrative irregularities, when trying to accomplish effective organisation and accountability. The Community Council offered several suggestions to reorganise the area by combining Clynnog Fawr with , with Dwyrain Nefyn, Talysarn with Llanllyfni, Nantlle and Nebo, and finally Llandwrog with Groeslon, Carmel and Fron (Cesarea). Councillor O P Huws (Llanllyfni) wrote opposing the amalgamation of Clynnog and Llanllyfni, even though he accepted that there was a need to reduce the overall number of councillors in Gwynedd. He cited the same reasons as Llanllyfni Community Council and also made the same suggestions to reorganise the area. Llais Gwynedd also makes the suggestion of combining Clynnog Fawr with Llanaelhaearn and suggested the name Bro’r Eifl. In addition Llais Gwynedd suggested that the Talysarn ward of the Community of Llanllyfni be combined with Nantlle, Llanllyfni and Nebo wards of the Community of Llanllyfni to form an electoral division with the name Dyffryn Nantlle. Gwynedd County Labour Party stated the difficulty of coming up with a counter-proposal for the area, but considered that the proposal to combine Clynnog and Llanllyfni only satisfies meeting the number of electors and has no bearing on the geographic area. They asked that consideration is given to combining the Nantlle and Talysarn wards in the same electoral division.

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6.34 We considered the representations and, in light of the alternative suggestions provided and advice given with regard to the lack of community ties between Clynnog and Llanllyfni, we propose in the interests of effective and convenient local government that the communities of Clynnog Fawr and Llanaelhaearn be combined to form an electoral division with 1,492 electors (1,519 projected) served by a single member, which is 16% above the proposed county average. We consider that Clynnog Fawr and Llanaelhaearn have a good transport link via the A499, which links the main settlements of each community. We also consider that they share similar geography, with the majority of the communities being of a coastal nature, therefore, having common issues for a councillor to deal with. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Clynnog and Llanaelhaearn. This proposal ensures that no electoral division crosses the Arfon / Dwyfor boundary.

6.35 Further, we considered the Community of Llanllyfni and in particular the fact that the Talysarn ward is outside any electoral division due to the re-arrangement of the Llandwrog area as indicated in paragraph 6.31 above. We considered several arrangements, and were of the opinion that it would be beneficial, if possible, for the Community of Llanllyfni to remain together. We, therefore, propose that the Talysarn, Nantlle, Llanllyfni and Nebo wards of the Community of Llanllyfni combine to form an electoral division with 1,527 electors (1,508 projected) represented by a single member which is 19% above the proposed county average. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Llanllyfni. The Penygroes ward of the Community of Llanllyfni would remain as it is currently, forming the Penygroes electoral division with 1,279 electors represented by one councillor with a level of representation that is 1% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Bangor Electoral Divisions (Deiniol, Dewi, Garth, Glyder, Hendre, Hirael, Marchog and Menai [Bangor])

6.36 The existing Deiniol electoral division consists of the Deiniol ward of the Community of Bangor with 537 electors (495 projected) represented by one councillor which is 53% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Dewi electoral division consists of the Dewi ward of the Community of Bangor with 1,238 electors (1,299 projected) represented by one councillor which is 9% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Garth electoral division consists of the Garth ward of the Community of Bangor with 524 electors (412 projected) represented by one councillor which is 54% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Glyder electoral division consists of the Glyder ward of the Community of Bangor with 1,382 electors (1,519 projected) represented by one councillor which is 22% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Hendre electoral division consists of the Hendre ward of the Community of Bangor with 989 electors (1,090 projected) represented by one councillor which is 13% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Hirael electoral division consists of the Hirael ward of the Community of Bangor with 957 electors (985 projected) represented by one councillor which is 15% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Marchog electoral division consists of the Marchog ward of the Community of Bangor with 1,386 electors (1,339 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 693 electors per councillor which is 39%

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below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Menai (Bangor) electoral division consists of the Menai ward of the Community of Bangor with 2,450 electors (2,600 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,225 electors per councillor which is 8% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In total the Community of Bangor has 9,463 electors (9,739 projected) and is represented by ten councillors with an average level of representation of 946 electors per councillor which is 16% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

6.37 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Deiniol 537 electors (495 projected) and Hendre 989 electors (1,090 projected) wards of the Community of Bangor to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,526 (1,585 projected) represented by one councillor which was 19% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We also proposed combining the Garth 524 electors (412 projected) and Hirael 957 electors (985 projected) wards to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,481 (1,397 projected) represented by one councillor which was 15% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We proposed that the Marchog electoral division with 1,386 electors (1,339 projected) be represented by one councillor instead of two. We proposed that the existing Menai (Bangor) electoral division represented by two councillors, the existing Dewi electoral division represented by one councillor and the existing Glyder electoral division represented by one councillor, be retained.

6.38 We received an objection from County Councillor Keith Greenly-Jones (Marchog) who did not agree with the electoral figures the Commission quoted in the Draft Proposals report. We are however satisfied that the electoral figures we have used in this review, as supplied to us by Gwynedd County Council, are up to date and accurate. Due to an increasing workload in the urban division, Councillor Greenly- Jones wanted to retain the two councillors for Marchog and saw no logic in amalgamating two divisions retaining the same number of councillors. Another objection was received from County Councillor John Wynn Meredith (Garth), stating that there is very little contact between Garth and Hirael and to combine them would not be efficient. The Gwynedd County Labour Party wrote to ask if the Commission would reconsider its proposals and suggested joining Hirael with Deiniol, and Garth with Menai. County Councillor Jean Forsyth (Hirael) suggested a name change for the proposed Garth and Hirael division, the alternatives being Gogarth or Penrhyn.

6.39 We considered the objections and the information regarding ties between the community wards. In our Draft proposals, we proposed combining the Garth and Hirael wards of the community of Bangor to form an electoral division, and combining the Deiniol and Hendre wards to form an electoral division. We also proposed that the Dewi and Menai wards of the community of Bangor form two electoral divisions. We have noted the points made in the representation from Gwynedd County Labour Party who considered that the old A5, through the centre of Bangor, forms a distinct boundary between the Garth and Menai wards to the West and the Hirael and Deiniol wards to the East and that the railway line forms the distinct boundary between the Deiniol and Hendre wards. By combining the Deiniol and Hirael wards an electoral division is formed with a total of 1,494 electors

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(1,480 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would have a level of representation that is 16% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. Combining the Garth and Menai wards would form an electoral division with a total of 2,974 electors (3,012 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would have a level of representation of 1,487 electors per councillor which is 16% above the proposed county average of 1,287. By also combining the Dewi and Hendre wards an electoral division is formed with a total of 2,227 electors (2,389 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would have a level of representation of 1,114 electors per councillor which is 13% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This suggested arrangement for the Bangor electoral divisions made no proposals for either the Glyder electoral division, which was unchanged in our Draft Proposals, or the Marchog electoral division, which we had proposed to reduce to one councillor from two.

6.40 This alternative arrangement of the Bangor wards provides a variance in the level of representation that ranges from 1,494 electors per councillor (Deiniol and Hirael) to 1,114 electors per councillor (Dewi and Hendre), a difference of 380. This does not significantly improve on variance in the level of representation in our Draft Proposals, which ranged from 1,526 electors per councillor (Deiniol and Hendre) to 1,225 electors per councillor (Menai [Bangor]), a difference of 301. We noted, however, that both the alternative arrangement and our Draft Proposals for this area produced a considerable improvement in electoral parity, as the existing variance ranges from 1,382 electors per councillor (Glyder) to 524 electors per councillor (Garth), a difference of 858. We have considered the evidence that has been presented to us in respect of the community ties that exist between the various wards of the Community of Bangor, and are of the view that the alternative arrangements that have been suggested to us are an improvement in this respect over our Draft Proposals. We are further of the view that these benefits in terms of community ties outweigh the benefit of the marginal improvement in parity provided by our Draft Proposals. We noted the helpful suggestions made by County Councillor Forsyth for alternative names for a combined Garth and Hirael electoral division, but as we are not now making this proposal and do not consider that the suggested names are appropriate for the divisions, we do not propose adopting either of the suggestions.

6.41 We therefore propose a Deiniol and Hirael electoral division consisting of the Deiniol and Hirael wards of the Community of Bangor with a total of 1,494 electors (1,480 projected) represented by one councillor with a level of representation that is 16% above the proposed county average of 1,287. We propose a Dewi and Hendre electoral division consisting of the Dewi and Hendre wards of the Community of Bangor with a total of 2,227 electors (2,389 projected) represented by two councillors, with a level of representation of 1,114 electors per councillor which is 13% below the proposed county average of 1,287. We propose a Garth and Menai electoral division consisting of the of Garth and Menai wards of the Community of Bangor with a total of 2,974 electors (3,012 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,487 electors per councillor which is 16% above the proposed county average of 1,287. We propose that the number of councillors representing the Marchog electoral division is reduced from two to one, giving a level of representation of 1,386 electors per councillor which is 8% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We

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further propose to retain the existing arrangements for the Glyder electoral division which has 1,382 electors represented by one councillor which is 7% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.42 These proposals lead to a reduction in the number of councillors representing the Bangor electoral divisions from ten to seven, producing a significant improvement in electoral parity in comparison with the proposed county average and across the Bangor electoral divisions. With a total of seven councillors representing 9,463 electors, the Community of Bangor as a whole will then have an average level of representation of 1,352 electors per councillor which is 5% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We consider that these proposals for the Bangor electoral divisions are desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. These proposals also rectify the minor anomalies between the community wards and the electoral divisions.

Dolbenmaen and Porthmadog-Tremadog

6.43 The existing Dolbenmaen electoral division consists of the Bryncir 84 electors (79 projected), Garn 308 electors (310 projected), Golan 158 electors (150 projected), Penmorfa 131 electors (90 projected) and Treflys 239 electors (250 projected) wards of the Community of Dolbenmaen with a total of 920 electors (879 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Porthmadog-Tremadog electoral division consists of the Community of Beddgelert 389 electors (376 projected), the Prenteg 96 electors (108 projected) ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen and the Tremadog 457 electors (446 projected) ward of the Community of Porthmadog, with a total of 942 electors (930 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 17% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report, we proposed combining the Community of Beddgelert and the Community of Dolbenmaen, to form a new electoral division, with a total of 1,405 electors (1,363 projected) represented by one councillor, which was 9% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.44 We received a representation from Beddgelert Community Council suggesting an alternative name for the electoral division being Beddgelert – Dolbenmaen. Dolbenmaen Community Council wrote in agreement with the Draft Proposals and added that the Community Council would support the elected member to fulfil their new role. Llais Gwynedd suggested alternative arrangements whereby the Tremadog ward of the Community of Porthmadog is combined with the Community of Beddgelert and the Community of Llanfrothen to form an electoral division and the Community of Dolbenmaen forms another electoral division on its own. They noted that these proposals would create an electoral division that crosses the Dwyfor-Meirionydd boundary but they considered that the improvement that is achieved in electoral parity outweighs that particular principle. We have given careful consideration to Llais Gwynedd’s suggested arrangements for this area and are of the view that, in terms of electoral parity, the suggestions have merit. We note, however, that the suggestions depend on an arrangement that has topographical difficulties. The Prenteg ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen lies between Tremadog ward and Beddgelert and Llanfrothen and the only direct route between these communities is along the A498 through Prenteg. We do not

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consider therefore that such a combination would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

6.45 We consider that our proposals for this area provide an arrangement that joins together areas that have a community of interest and provides an improvement in the level of electoral parity in the area. In the absence of any viable alternative arrangements, we therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that the draft proposal to join Beddgelert and Dolbenmaen remains but with the alternative name of Beddgelert and Dolbenmaen. This new electoral division would be formed by combining the Community of Beddgelert with 389 electors (376 projected) and the Community of Dolbenmaen with 1,016 electors (987 projected) with a total electorate of 1,405 electors (1,363 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 9% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This leaves the Tremadog ward of the Community of Porthmadog outside any electoral division; this is addressed at paragraph 6.49 below.

Porthmadog Electoral Divisions (Porthmadog East, Porthmadog West and Porthmadog-Tremadog)

6.46 The Community of Porthmadog is divided, for community electoral purposes, into the community wards of East 683 electors (611 projected), Gest 283 electors (261 projected), Morfa Bychan 453 electors (422 projected), Tremadog 457 electors (446 projected), West 600 electors (633 projected) and Ynys Galch 439 electors (407 projected) giving a total of 2,915 electors (2,780 projected). These community wards are arranged into three electoral divisions. The existing Porthmadog East electoral division consists of the East and Ynys Galch wards of the Community of Porthmadog with a total of 1,122 electors (1,018 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 1% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Porthmadog West electoral division consists of the Gest, Morfa Bychan and West wards of the Community of Porthmadog, with a total of 1,336 electors (1,316 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 18% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Porthmadog- Tremadog electoral division consists of the Community of Beddgelert (389 electors), the Prenteg (96 electors) ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen and the Tremadog (457 electors) ward of the Community of Porthmadog, with a total of 942 electors (930 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 17% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

6.47 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the East, Tremadog and Ynys Galch wards of the Community of Porthmadog to form a new electoral division, to give a total electorate of 1,579 (1,464 projected) represented by one councillor with a level of representation which was 23% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We also proposed the retention of the existing Porthmadog West electoral division with 1,336 electors (1,316 projected) which was 4% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.48 We received an objection from Porthmadog Town Council stating that they were of the opinion that decreasing the number of councillors for the Porthmadog Town area would lead to under-representation. As noted at paragraph 6.44 above, Llais

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Gwynedd, in their representation, suggested an alternative arrangement that combines the Tremadog ward of the Community of Porthmadog with the Community of Beddgelert and the Community of Llanfrothen to form an electoral division. For the reasons given at paragraph 6.44 above we did not consider this arrangement to be a viable alternative to our Draft Proposals.

6.49 We noted the objection to our Draft Proposals from Porthmadog Town Council in respect of the reduction in the number of councillors representing Porthmadog. Under the current arrangements, Porthmadog is represented by three councillors (although one of the councillors also represents Beddgelert and the Prenteg ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen). Under the proposed arrangement, Porthmadog would be represented by two councillors. Because of the current split representation, this is effectively a cut from 2.5 to 2. Under the current arrangements, therefore, the Community of Porthmadog with 2,915 electors in effect represented by 2.5 councillors has a level of representation of 1,166 electors per councillor which is 10% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. Under the proposed arrangements, Porthmadog would be represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,458 electors per councillor which is 13% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. Whilst this is a change to the level of representation in the area we do not consider that, in the context of the county as a whole, the proposed arrangement produces an excessive level of under-representation. The alternative would be to allocate three councillors for Porthmadog but this would result in a level of representation of 972 electors per councillor which is 24% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We consider that the three- councillor option produces a significantly higher level of variance from the county average in comparison with the two-councillor option. In our Draft Proposals report we considered the alternative arrangement of a two-member electoral division for the whole of Porthmadog but because of the expressed preference for single- member electoral divisions we did not take that proposal forward. Taking account therefore of the changes affecting the current Tremadog electoral division that are proposed at paragraph 6.45 above and the preference for single-member electoral divisions, we remain of the view that the Draft Proposals’ arrangements for the Porthmadog area are the most effective of all the alternative arrangements that we have considered. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that the East, Tremadog and Ynys Galch Wards of the Community of Porthmadog are combined to form an electoral division with a total of 1,579 electors (1,464 projected) represented by one councillor, with a level of representation which is 23% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Porthmadog East. We also propose the retention of the existing Porthmadog West electoral division with 1,336 electors (1,316 projected) which is 4% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Dolgellau Electoral Divisions (Dolgellau North and Dolgellau South)

6.50 The Dolgellau North electoral division consists of the Northern ward of the Community of Dolgellau with 896 electors (839 projected) represented by one councillor which is 21% below the existing county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Dolgellau South electoral division consists of the Southern ward of

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the Community of Dolgellau with 1,053 electors (1,066 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 7% below the existing county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report, we proposed combining the two Dolgellau electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 1,949 (1,905 projected) represented by two councillors, which was 24% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we noted that although this proposal did not retain single-member electoral divisions, it did improve the level of electoral parity for the area.

6.51 We received a representation in agreement of the proposals from Dolgellau Community Council.

6.52 We took into account the representation in agreement with the Draft Proposal and considered that, as there was no opposition, we propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, the draft proposal made to join the two wards of Dolgellau remains. We propose that the name of this new electoral division shall be Dolgellau. This new electoral division would consist of the two current Dolgellau electoral divisions giving a total electorate of 1,949 (1,905 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 975 electors per councillor, which is 24% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Ffestiniog Electoral Divisions (Bowydd & Rhiw, Diffwys & Maenofferen and Teigl)

6.53 The Community of Ffestiniog is divided for community electoral purposes into the wards of Bowydd and Rhiw 1,004 electors (965 projected), Conglwal 728 electors (732 projected), Cynfal and Teigl 623 electors (608 projected), Diffwys and Maenofferen 755 electors (648 projected) and Tanygrisiau 214 electors (208 projected). Under current arrangements these are combined to form the County Council electoral divisions of Bowydd & Rhiw, Diffwys & Maenofferen and Teigl.

6.54 The Bowydd & Rhiw electoral division consists of the Bowydd and Rhiw and Tanygrisiau wards of the Community of Ffestiniog, with a total of 1,218 electors (1,173 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 8% above the existing county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Diffwys & Maenofferen electoral division consists of the Diffwys and Maenofferen ward of the Community of Ffestiniog, with a total of 755 electors (648 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 33% below the existing county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Teigl electoral division consists of the Conglwal and Cynfal and Teigl wards of the Community of Ffestiniog, with a total of 1,351 electors (1,340 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% above the existing county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Conglwal, Cynfal and Teigl, and Diffwys and Maenofferen wards of the Community of Ffestiniog to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 2,106 (1,988 projected) represented by two councillors, which was 18% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.55 We noted the absence of representations in opposition to this proposal, and having reviewed the proposal decided it should be maintained. We propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, to combine the Conglwal,

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Cynfal and Teigl, and Diffwys and Maenofferen wards of the Community of Ffestiniog to form a new electoral division with a total electorate of 2,106 (1,988 projected) represented by two councillors, giving a level of representation of 1,053 electors per councillor, which is 18% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Dwyrain Ffestiniog. The existing Bowydd & Rhiw electoral division remains unchanged with 1,218 electors (1,173 projected) represented by one councillor which is 5% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Llannor, Llanbedrog, Llanengan, Buan, Nefyn and Pistyll

6.56 The existing Llanbedrog electoral division consists of the Community of Llanbedrog with 781 electors (725 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 31% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Abererch electoral division consists of the Abererch 450 electors (404 projected) and Y Ffôr 548 electors (547 projected) wards of the Community of Llannor with a total of 998 electors (951 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 12% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Nefyn electoral division consists of the Nefyn ward of the Community of Nefyn, with 964 electors (892 projected) represented by one councillor which is 15% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Morfa Nefyn electoral division consists of the Edern 298 electors (297 projected) and Morfa Nefyn 638 electors (634 projected) ward of the Community of Nefyn with 936 electors (931 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 17% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Efail-newydd / Buan electoral division consists of the Community of Buan 385 electors (374 projected) and the Efail- newydd 376 electors (346 projected) and Pentre-uchaf 244 electors (256 projected) wards of the Community of Llannor with a total of 1,005 electors (976 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 11% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Abersoch electoral division consists of the Abersoch ward of the Community of Llanengan with 558 electors (458 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 51% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Llanengan electoral division consists of the Llanengan 339 electors (349 projected) and Llangian 490 electors (442 projected) wards of the Community of Llanengan with a total of 829 electors (791 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 27% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Llanaelhaearn electoral division consists of the Communities of Llanaelhaearn with 769 electors (778 projected) and Pistyll with 397 electors (378 projected) with a total of 1,166 electors (1,156 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 3% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

6.57 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Efail-newydd ward of the Community of Llannor with the Community of Llanbedrog to form a new electoral division, with a total electorate of 1,157 (1,071 projected) represented by one councillor, which was 10% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We also proposed combining the Abererch, Pentre-uchaf and Y Ffôr wards of the Community of Llannor to form a new electoral division, with a total electorate of 1,242 (1,207 projected) represented by one councillor, which was 3% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

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We proposed combining the Nefyn ward of the Community of Nefyn and the Bodfuan ward of the Community of Buan to form a new electoral with a total electorate of 1,082 electors (1,010 projected) represented by one councillor which was 16% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We also proposed combining the Edern and Morfa Nefyn wards of the Community of Nefyn and the Ceidio and Bachellaeth wards of the Community of Buan to form a new electoral division with a total electorate of 1,203 (1,187 projected) represented by one councillor, which was 7% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We also proposed combining the Abersoch and Llanengan electoral divisions to form a new electoral division with a total of 1,387 electors (1,249 projected) represented by one councillor with a level of representation which was 8% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.58 We received a representation in opposition from Llanengan Community Council, in which they expressed concern over combining the two electoral divisions (Abersoch and Llanengan) owing to the amount of second, or holiday homes, in the area. Councillor (Llanengan) wrote to oppose the proposal saying that if the two divisions were combined the division would have the highest percentage of second homes to deal with. Councillor R Hywel Wyn Williams (Abersoch) wrote proposing that the status quo be retained and was concerned that the proposals took no notice of ratepayers and only looked at electors. Llanbedrog Community Council was opposed to the proposal to combine the Efail-newydd ward of the Community of Llannor with the Community of Llanbedrog to form a new electoral division, stating that there are no geographical, cultural or community links between Llanbedrog and Efail-newydd. They considered that including Penrhos village was a possibility, but not the Efail-newydd ward as a whole. They considered that the Commission was unsure of what to do with Efail-newydd after establishing two new divisions in Llannor and Y Ffôr. The Council went on to say that Llanbedrog is a village closely connected with tourism, being home to a thousand static and seasonal caravans and has a high percentage of holiday homes and retirement homes, as well as many elderly residents, which can cause seasonal and on-going problems in terms of population and culture. They believed that should continue to be a part of Llannor. Councillor Peter Read (Pwllheli) wrote regarding the name of the Abererch electoral division, suggesting the retention of the name Abererch, rather than changing it to Y Ffôr. Buan Community Council wrote with concerns over the community being split. Councillor Liz Saville Roberts (Morfa Nefyn and Edern) opposed the proposals and, specifically, the suggestion of adding Bachellaeth from Buan into the new division, as there is no connection between the communities of Morfa Nefyn, Edern and Ceidio. She states that there is a divide between the communities in the north and south of the Llyn Peninsula. Llais Gwynedd agreed with the proposals for Abersoch and Llanengan but suggested a Nefyn and Pistyll electoral division, consisting of the Nefyn ward of the Community of Nefyn with the Community of Pistyll. They also suggested combining the Community of Buan with the Edern and Morfa Nefyn wards of the Community of Nefyn to form an electoral division with the name Madryn.

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6.59 We took into consideration the representations and opposition to the Draft Proposals, and considered that, in order to meet these objections whilst at the same time improve the levels of electoral parity that exist under the present arrangements, it would be necessary to further re-arrange the electoral divisions within this area. We are mindful to retain local ties and where possible not divide communities.

6.60 We considered the objection to the Community of Buan being divided between several electoral divisions. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that the existing Efail-newydd / Buan electoral division consisting of the whole Community of Buan and the Efail-newydd and Pentre-uchaf wards of the Community of Llannor be retained as an electoral division. The division has 1,005 electors (976 projected) represented by a single member which is 22% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall remain Efail- newydd / Buan.

6.61 In addition, we considered the Llannor area and, as we have taken the Pentre- uchaf and Efail-newydd wards out of the Community of Llannor to retain the Efail- newydd / Buan electoral division, the Y Ffôr and Abererch wards of the Community of Llannor fall outside any electoral division. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that the Abererch and Y Ffôr wards of the Community of Llannor remain combined to form the electoral division of Abererch with 998 electors (951 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 22% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This proposal retains the current electoral division.

6.62 We took into consideration the opposition from Llanbedrog in respect of the Draft Proposals to join Llanbedrog with part of the Community of Llannor. As we have already addressed the issue of Buan and Llannor in paragraphs 6.60 and 6.61 above, we considered alternative arrangements for Llanbedrog. We considered that Llanbedrog was not viable to stand alone as an electoral division, where the low number of electors would result in a significant over-representation. We have looked at the alternatives and have come to the conclusion that Llanbedrog would benefit from being joined with a similar area to improve the electoral parity. We also considered the position of the electoral divisions contained within the Community of Llanengan. We consider that the two electoral divisions are over- represented and the only option would be to combine them with another electoral division to ensure better parity. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, to combine the Community of Llanbedrog with the Community of Llanengan in its entirety as they have similarities in that they are both holiday home destinations and share the same issues. The electoral division would have 2,168 electors (1,974 projected) represented by two councillors, which would give 1,084 electors per councillor, which is 16% below the projected county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Llanbedrog and Llanengan.

6.63 The proposal to combine the Communities of Clynnog Fawr and Llanaelhaearn to form an electoral division at 6.34 above would leave the Community of Pistyll with 397 electors outside any electoral division. We noted the representation from Llais

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Gwynedd that suggested combining the Community of Pistyll with the Nefyn ward of the Community of Nefyn to form an electoral division. This would create an electoral division with a total of 1,361 electors which, if represented by one councillor, would be 5% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This would then leave the Edern and Morfa Nefyn wards of the Community of Nefyn to form an electoral division with a total of 936 electors which, if represented by one councillor, would be 38% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. In this particular area we consider the benefits of creating two single-member electoral divisions are outweighed by the improvement in electoral parity that arises from the creation of a two-member electoral division. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that the Communities of Nefyn with 1,900 electors (1,823 projected) and Pistyll with 397 electors (378 projected) be combined to form an electoral division with 2,297 electors (2,201 projected) represented by two councillors giving a level of representation of 1,149 electors per councillor, which is 11% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Nefyn and Pistyll.

Penrhyndeudraeth

6.64 The existing Penrhyndeudraeth electoral division consists of the Communities of Llanfrothen 332 electors (336 projected) and Penrhyndeudraeth 1,482 electors (1,438 projected) with a total of 1,814 electors (1,774 projected) represented by one councillor which is 60% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report, we proposed that the existing Penrhyndeudraeth electoral division be retained and welcomed any suggestions for alternative arrangements for this area.

6.65 We received a representation from Penrhyndeudraeth Community Council suggesting that it be represented by two councillors instead of one. Llanfrothen Community Council wrote to suggest the alternative name of Llanfrothen / Penrhyndeudraeth. Dwyfor Meirionydd Constituency Labour Party suggested reconsidering making Penrhyndeudraeth a two-member division, but also suggested combining the population on both sides of the into a new two-member division. They suggest combining Talsarnau with Penrhyndeudraeth, which would give better electoral parity in the area.

6.66 We took account of the suggestion for an additional councillor to represent the electoral division as it currently stands and we considered that it would not be beneficial as the electoral division would then be over-represented with a level of representation of 907 electors per councillor which would be 29% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We then looked at the suggestion to include the Community of Talsarnau in the electoral division to create better electoral parity. Combining the Community of Talsarnau 442 electors (455 projected) with the existing Penrhyndeudraeth electoral division would create a division with a total of 2,256 electors (2,229 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would be 12% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We had considered this option before arriving at our Draft Proposals, but were concerned that the main link between the two areas was a single track wooden toll bridge, which only carries cars, thus limiting community ties

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between the two areas. We have noted, however, Dwyfor Meirionnydd Labour Party’s representation that Talsarnau has close historic links with the communities on the other bank of the Afon Dwyryd. They consider that the current bridge provides a well-used road and rail link between both sides of the river. We also noted that this bridge is to be replaced by a more substantial structure that may also be used by lorries and buses and we understand that construction is due to start in 2012 and should be completed within two years. Having considered these points we are now of the view that it would be possible for Penrhyndeudraeth and Talsarnau to form an effective electoral division. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, an electoral division consisting of the Communities of Llanfrothen 332 electors (336 projected), Penrhyndeudraeth 1,482 electors (1,438 projected) and Talsarnau 442 electors (455 projected) with a total of 2,256 electors (2,229 projected) represented by two councillors which is 12% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division be Penrhyndeudraeth. This proposal removes the Community of Talsarnau from the existing Harlech electoral division. This has been considered at paragraph 6.69 below.

Harlech, Llanbedr and Dyffryn Ardudwy

6.67 The existing Llanbedr electoral division consists of the Communities of Llanbedr 432 electors (424 projected) and Llanfair 375 electors (370 projected) with a total of 807 electors (794 projected) represented by one councillor which is 29% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Harlech electoral division consists of the Communities of Harlech 1,049 electors (1,046 projected) and Talsarnau 442 electors (455 projected) with a total of 1,491 electors (1,501 projected) represented by one councillor which is 32% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

6.68 In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Harlech and Llanbedr electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 2,298 electors (2,295 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,149 electors per councillor which was 11% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. The Draft Proposals made no change to the Dyffryn Ardudwy electoral division with 1,175 electors (1,161 projected)

6.69 We received an objection from Harlech Community Council opposing the proposal, stating that it would not save any money as they currently have two councillors. They suggest leaving the arrangements as they are. Llanfair Community Council and Talsarnau Community Council both wrote similar letters. We noted at paragraph 6.65 above that Dwyfor Meirionnydd Constituency Labour Party suggested combining Talsarnau with Penrhyndeudraeth. They also suggested combining Harlech and Llanfair to form a single-member division, and Llanbedr with Dyffryn Ardudwy to form a single-member division or, alternatively, creating a combined Harlech, Llanfair, Llanbedr and Dyffryn Ardudwy division to be represented by two councillors.

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6.70 We considered the objections and are of the view that the current Llanbedr electoral division was not viable to stand alone as an electoral division because the low number of electors results in a significant level of over-representation. In addition the proposal in respect of the Community of Talsarnau at paragraph 6.66 above removes this community from the existing Harlech electoral division. We have therefore considered alternative electoral arrangements for the area.

6.71 The suggested arrangement made by Dwyfor Meirionnydd Constituency Labour Party combines the Communities of Harlech and Llanfair to form an electoral division with a total of 1,424 electors (1,416 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would be 11% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. Combining the Communities of Dyffryn Ardudwy and Llanbedr would form an electoral division with a total of 1,607 electors (1,585 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would be 25% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. As an alternative, they suggest a combining of all four communities to form an electoral division of 3,031 electors (3,001 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would have a level of representation of 1,516 electors per councillor which is 18% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. Whilst both of these suggestions improve the overall level of electoral parity in the area, the two-councillor option provides the better level of parity. We have however noted the objections made by Harlech and Llanfair Community Councils to the creation of a multi-member division in this area and the general comments we have received in respect of multi-member divisions. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, to form two single-member divisions: Harlech and Llanfair; and, Dyffryn Ardudwy and Llanbedr. The Harlech and Llanfair electoral division will have a total of 1,424 electors (1,416 projected) represented by one councillor which is 11% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. The Dyffryn Ardudwy and Llanbedr electoral division will have a total of 1,607 electors (1,585 projected) represented by one councillor which is 25% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Llanrug Electoral Divisions (Cwm-y-Glo and Llanrug)

6.72 The existing Cwm-y-Glo electoral division consists of the Ceunant 289 electors (303 projected) and Cwm-y-Glo 407 electors (403 projected) wards of the Community of Llanrug with a total of 696 electors (706 projected) represented by one councillor which is 39% below the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The existing Llanrug electoral division consists of the Llanrug ward of the Community of Llanrug with a total of 1,318 electors (1,283 projected) represented by one councillor which is 16% above the county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals report we proposed combining the Cwm-y-Glo and Llanrug electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 2,014 (1,989 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,007 electors per councillor which was 22% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.73 We received a representation regarding this proposal from Councillor Brian Jones of Llanrug. Councillor Jones felt that the name of the proposed electoral division should be changed to capture each village within the electoral division, in order to

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avoid confusion and low turn out at elections. He suggested the following name: Cwm-y-Glo, Llanrug, Ceunant, Tan-y-coed & Pontrug. He further recommended that the electoral division remain as single-member. We considered Councillor Jones’s representation regarding the naming of this proposed electoral division, but as the existing Community of Llanrug consists of the wards of Ceunant, Cwm-y-glo and Llanrug, we felt is appropriate to retain the name of Llanrug for the new electoral division. Furthermore, we considered that it is impractical for the names of electoral divisions to recognise all villages contained within them. We considered the Councillor’s representation that the division should remain as single-member, but concluded that the improvement in electoral parity that results from the proposed arrangement and the fact that the whole of the Community of Llanrug will be contained within a single electoral division outweigh any benefits that may arise from retaining the existing single-member electoral divisions. We therefore propose that, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, a Llanrug electoral division is formed consisting of the Community of Llanrug with 2,014 electors (1,989 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,007 electors per councillor which is 22% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

Caernarfon Electoral Divisions (Cadnant, Menai, Peblig, Seiont)

6.74 The Community of Caernarfon is divided, for community electoral purposes, into the community wards of Deheuol 1,429 electors (1,492 projected), Dwyrain 1,405 electors (1,386 projected), Gogledd 1,818 electors (1,741 projected) and Gorllewin 2,272 electors (2,298 projected) giving a total of 6,924 electors (6,917 projected).

6.75 These community wards are arranged into four electoral divisions with a total representation of five councillors. The Cadnant electoral division consists of the Dwyrain ward of the Community of Caernarfon with 1,405 electors (1,386 projected) represented by one councillor which is 24% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Menai (Caernarfon) electoral division consists of the Gogledd ward of the Community of Caernarfon with a total of 1,818 electors (1,741 projected) represented by one councillor which is 61% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Peblig (Caernarfon) electoral division consists of the Deheuol ward of the Community of Caernarfon with 1,429 electors (1,492 projected) represented by one councillor which is 26% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. The Seiont electoral division consists of the Gorllewin ward of the Community of Caernarfon with 2,272 electors (2,298 projected) represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,136 electors per councillor which is close to the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

6.76 In our Draft Proposals report, we proposed combining the Menai (Caernarfon) and Seiont electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 4,090 electors (4,039 projected) represented by three councillors with a level of representation of 1,363 electors per councillor which was 6% above the Draft Proposals county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This left the existing single-member Cadnant and Peblig (Caernarfon) electoral divisions unchanged. In our Draft Proposals report we considered that, despite creating a three-member

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division, it provided a significant improvement in terms of electoral parity over the existing arrangements.

6.77 We received an objection from Caernarfon Royal Town Council stating that they would like to retain the four existing divisions. Councillor Roy Owen (Seiont) expressed concern over creating the Menai and Seiont division as it would be too large and would involve an increased workload for the elected members. County Councillor Ioan C Thomas (Menai, Caernarfon) considered that the Commission had not taken account of Gwynedd County Council’s view that an electoral division should not be represented by more than two councillors and that the preference was for single-member divisions. He stated that he wished to retain the existing Menai division but, failing that, asked that consideration be given to changing the boundary between the Menai and Seiont electoral divisions so that sufficient electors are transferred to the Seiont electoral division to allow the Menai division to remain on its own and represented by a single member. Whilst we recognise that such a change may allow the retention of the existing arrangements in this area, as we have explained at paragraph 6.4 above we are unable to consider changes to community wards as part of this review. Town Councillor Hywel Roberts (Caernarfon Town Council) opposed the proposal and said that the amalgamation of Menai and Seiont did not form a “natural community”. He also declared that he was “appalled” at the Commission’s “lack of understanding” with regards statistics, and believed that the simple arithmetical approach was not logical. He stated that he wanted to retain the present separate divisions in Caernarfon.

6.78 We considered the objections to the creation of a three-member electoral division and, as a consequence, the loss of a single-member electoral division. It is clear, however, that the alternative arrangements that retain electoral divisions within the Caernarfon Town boundary are severely limited and, as we explained, we are constrained by the building blocks of the community wards. We can either propose retaining the existing arrangements or make the proposals we set out in our Draft Proposals report. Retaining the existing arrangements would mean a Menai (Caernarfon) electoral division with 1,818 electors represented by one councillor with a level of representation that is 41% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor and a Seiont electoral division with 2,272 electors represented by two councillors with a level of representation of 1,136 electors per councillor that is 12% below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This would mean that the four Caernarfon electoral divisions of Cadnant, Menai, Peblig and Seiont are respectively 9% above, 41% above, 11% above and 12% below the proposed county average. This compares with our Draft Proposals that forms the three electoral divisions of Cadnant, Menai and Seiont, and Peblig (Caernarfon) that are respectively 9% above, 6% above and 11% above the proposed county average. We remain of the view that the existing large variation in the level of representation between electoral divisions that are formed from wards of the same community is not appropriate. We consider that the significant improvements in electoral parity outweigh any disadvantages that may arise from the creation of a three-member electoral division. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that we retain the Draft Proposals.

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6.79 We propose combining the Menai (Caernarfon) and Seiont electoral divisions to form a new electoral division to give a total electorate of 4,090 electors (4,039 projected) represented by three councillors with a level of representation of 1,363 electors per councillor which is 6% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of this electoral division shall be Menai and Seiont. We also propose that the existing Cadnant electoral division be retained, comprising the Dwyrain ward of the Community of Caernarfon, with 1,405 electors (1,386 projected) represented by one councillor which is 9% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. We further propose that the existing Peblig (Caernarfon) electoral division be retained, comprising the Deheuol ward of the Community of Caernarfon, with 1,429 electors (1,492 projected) represented by one councillor which is 11% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor.

6.80 Gwynedd County Council may wish to consider the suggestions made by Councillor Thomas and undertake a review of the electoral arrangements for the Community of Caernarfon. Changes to the ward boundaries that may arise from such a review may then facilitate changes to the electoral divisions in a future review of the electoral arrangements of the County Council.

Gerlan Electoral Division

6.81 We received a representation from Bethesda Community Council regarding renaming the electoral division of Gerlan. Currently, the Community of Bethesda contains two electoral divisions: Ogwen, which is the Ogwen ward of the Community of Bethesda; and, Gerlan, which is made up of the and Gerlan wards of the Community of Bethesda. They requested that the name of the Gerlan electoral division be changed to Carneddau to avert any confusion to the electorate. We considered the request and are in agreement to the name change. We therefore propose that the name of the current Gerlan electoral division be changed to Carneddau. The two Bethesda electoral divisions remain otherwise unchanged.

Summary of Proposed Arrangements

6.82 The proposed electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 3) are for 66 elected members, representing 55 electoral divisions of which 10 are multi-member. These arrangements provide a level of representation that ranges from 29% below to 32% above the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor (based on the 2012 electoral figures). Seven (13%) of the electoral divisions have levels of representation more than 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor, 31 (56%) electoral divisions have levels of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor and the remaining 17 (31%) all have less than 10% above or below the proposed county average of 1,287 electors per councillor. This compares with the existing electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 2) where the level of representation ranges from 54% below to 61% above the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor. Six electoral divisions (8%) have levels of representation more than 50% above or below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor, 25 electoral divisions (35%)

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have levels of representation between 25% and 50% above or below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor, 28 (39%) electoral divisions have levels of representation between 10% and 25% above or below than the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor and the remaining 12 (18%) electoral divisions having levels of representation less than 10% above or below the current county average of 1,132 electors per councillor.

6.83 In producing a scheme of electoral arrangements it is necessary to have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation and in the Minister’s Directions. It is often not possible to resolve all of these sometimes conflicting issues because of the requirement of using the existing communities and community wards as building blocks of electoral divisions and the varying level of representation that currently exists within these areas. In our proposed scheme we have placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity, moving towards 1,750 electors per councillor and retaining, where possible, single-member electoral divisions. We recognise that the creation of electoral divisions which depart from the pattern which now exists would inevitably bring some disruption to existing ties between communities and may straddle community council areas in a way that is unfamiliar. We have made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral divisions do reflect logical combinations of existing communities and community wards. We have looked at each of these areas and are satisfied that it would be difficult to achieve electoral arrangements that keep the existing combination of communities and community wards within single electoral divisions without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the other issues that are required to be considered.

7. PROPOSALS

7.1 We propose a council of 66 members and 55 electoral divisions as set out in Appendix 3. For purposes of comparison the present electoral arrangements for the County are given at Appendix 2. The boundaries of the proposed electoral divisions are shown by continuous yellow lines on the maps placed on deposit with this Report at the Offices of Gwynedd County Council and the Office of the Commission in Cardiff.

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

8.1 We wish to express our gratitude to the principal council and all the community councils for their assistance during the course of the review and to all bodies and persons who made representations to us.

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9. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

9.1 Having completed our review of the County of Gwynedd and submitted our recommendations to the Welsh Government on the future electoral arrangements for the principal authority, we have fulfilled our statutory obligation under the directions issued by the Welsh Government.

9.2 It now falls to the Welsh Government, if it thinks fit, to give effect to these proposals either as submitted or with modifications, and if the Welsh Government decides to give effect to these proposals with modifications, it may direct us to conduct a further review.

9.3 Any further representations concerning the matters in the report should be addressed to the Welsh Government. They should be made as soon as possible, and in any event not later than six weeks from the date that our recommendations are submitted to the Welsh Government. Representations should be addressed to:

Scrutiny, Democracy and Participation Team Democracy, Ethics and Partnership Division Welsh Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ

MR MAX CALLER CBE (Chairman)

MR SANDY BLAIR CBE (Member)

MR OWEN WATKIN OBE DL (Member)

MR STEVE HALSALL (Secretary)

June 2012

- 49 - Appendix 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT

Because communities and, where they exist, community Building Blocks wards, are required to lie in one electoral division, they are used as building blocks for electoral divisions

Commission The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales

Council size The number of councillors elected to the council

Directions issued to the Commission by the Government Directions under Section 59 of the 1972 Act

How many Councillors there should be on the council of local government area, the parts into which the area Electoral should be divided for the purpose of electing councillors, arrangements the number of councillors for each electoral division, and the name of any electoral area

The divisions into which principal areas are divided for the Electoral purpose of electing councillors, sometimes referred to divisions colloquially as wards

Electoral A review in which the Commission considers electoral review arrangements for a local government area

The number of persons entitled to vote in a local Electorate government area The principle that votes within a principal area should carry equal weight, measured by a comparison between Electoral parity an electoral division and the county average of the number of electors represented by a single councillor. Government The Welsh Government

Person or body who has an interest in the outcome of an electoral review such as the principal council concerned, Interested person local MPs, AMs and political parties, community and town councils

Multi Electoral division within a principal area represented by member more than one councillor division

Order made by the Government, giving effect to the Order proposals of the Commission, either as submitted or with modifications

The area governed by a principal council: in Wales, a Principal area County or County Borough

-1- Appendix 1

In Wales, one of the unitary authorities: a County or Principal council County Borough council

The five-year forecast of the number of electors provided Projected electorate by the Council for the area under review

Body or individual person who responds to the Respondent Commission’s consultation by making representations or suggesting alternative proposals

Rules to be observed by the Commission in considering Rules electoral arrangements

Single Electoral division of a principal authority represented by member one councillor division

The Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the 1994 The 1972 Act Act

The 1994 Act The Local Government (Wales) Act 1994

A principal council - the single tier organ of local government, responsible for all or almost all local Unitary government functions within its area, which in Wales authority replaced the two tier system of county councils and district councils: a County Council, or a County Borough Council The electoral areas of Community Councils (not all Wards Community Council areas are warded). The term is also used to describe the principal council electoral divisions

-2- COUNTY OF GWYNEDD EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Appendix 2 Page 1

No. OF % variance 2017 % variance No. NAME DESCRIPTION ELECTORATE 2012 2012 RATIO ELECTORATE 2017 COUNCILLORS from County RATIO from County average average 1 Aberdaron The Community of Aberdaron 1 733 733 -35% 737 737 -34% 2 Aberdovey The Communities of Aberdovey and Pennal 1 960 960 -15% 940 940 -16% 3 Abererch The Abererch and Y Ffôr wards of the Community of Llannor 1 998 998 -12% 951 951 -15% 4 Abermaw The Community of Barmouth 1 1,608 1,608 42% 1,574 1,574 41% 5 Abersoch The Abersoch ward of the Community of Llanengan 1 558 558 -51% 458 458 -59% The Communities of Aber and and the ward of the Community of 6 Arllechwedd 1 1,010 1,010 -11% 972 972 -13% Llandygái 7 Bala The Community of Bala 1 1,362 1,362 20% 1,326 1,326 19% 8 Bethel The Bethel ward of the Community of 1 1,015 1,015 -10% 1,011 1,011 -9% 9 Bontnewydd The Community of Bontnewydd 1 836 836 -26% 824 824 -26% 10 Botwnnog The Community of Botwnnog 1 700 700 -38% 673 673 -40% 11 Bowydd & Rhiw The Bowydd and Rhiw and Tanygrisiau wards of the Community of Ffestiniog 1 1,218 1,218 8% 1,173 1,173 5% Brithdir & Llanfachreth/ 12 The Communities of Brithdir and Llanfachreth, Ganllwyd and Llanelltyd 1 1,103 1,103 -3% 1,045 1,045 -6% Ganllwyd/ Llanelltyd 13 Bryncrug/ Llanfihangel The Communities of Bryncrug and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant 1 761 761 -33% 761 761 -32% 14 Cadnant The Dwyrain ward of the Community of Caernarfon 1 1,405 1,405 24% 1,386 1,386 24% 15 Clynnog The Community of Clynnog Fawr 1 723 723 -36% 741 741 -34% 16 Corris/ Mawddwy The Communities of Corris and Mawddwy 1 917 917 -19% 887 887 -20% 17 Criccieth The Community of Criccieth 1 1,354 1,354 20% 1,321 1,321 19% 18 Cwm-y-Glo The Ceunant and Cwm-y-Glo wards of the Community of Llanrug 1 696 696 -39% 706 706 -37% 19 Deiniol The Deiniol ward of the Community of Bangor 1 537 537 -53% 495 495 -56% 20 Deiniolen The Clwt y Bont, Deiniolen and Dinorwic wards of the Community of Llanddeiniolen 1 1,182 1,182 4% 1,164 1,164 4% 21 Dewi The Dewi ward of the Community of Bangor 1 1,238 1,238 9% 1,299 1,299 17% 22 Diffwys & Maenofferen The Diffwys and Maenofferen ward of the Community of Ffestiniog 1 755 755 -33% 648 648 -42% 23 Dolbenmaen The Bryncir, Garn, Golan, Penmorfa and Treflys wards of the Community of Dolbenmaen 1 920 920 -19% 879 879 -21% 24 Dolgellau North The Northern ward of the Community of Dolgellau 1 896 896 -21% 839 839 -25% 25 Dolgellau South The Southern ward of the Community of Dolgellau 1 1,053 1,053 -7% 1,066 1,066 -4% 26 Dyffryn Ardudwy The Community of Dyffryn Ardudwy 1 1,175 1,175 4% 1,161 1,161 4% The Community of Buan and the Efail-newydd and Pentre-uchaf wards of the Community 27 Efail-newydd/ Buan 1 1,005 1,005 -11% 976 976 -12% of Llannor 28 Garth The Garth ward of the Community of Bangor 1 524 524 -54% 412 412 -63% Appendix 2 29 Gerlan The Gerlan and Rachub wards of the Community of Bethesda 1 1,551 1,551 37% 1,506 1,506 35% 30 Glyder The Glyder ward of the Community of Bangor 1 1,382 1,382 22% 1,519 1,519 36% 31 Groeslon The Dinas Dinlle and Groeslon wards of the Community of Llandwrog 1 1,292 1,292 14% 1,288 1,288 16% 32 Harlech The Communities of Harlech and Talsarnau 1 1,491 1,491 32% 1,501 1,501 35% 33 Hendre The Hendre ward of the Community of Bangor 1 989 989 -13% 1,090 1,090 -2% 34 Hirael The Hirael ward of the Community of Bangor 1 957 957 -15% 985 985 -12% 35 Llanaelhaearn The Communities of Llanaelhaearn and Pistyll 1 1,166 1,166 3% 1,156 1,156 4% 36 Llanbedr The Communities of Llanbedr and Llanfair 1 807 807 -29% 794 794 -29% 37 Llanbedrog The Community of Llanbedrog 1 781 781 -31% 725 725 -35% COUNTY OF GWYNEDD EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Appendix 2 Page 2

No. OF % variance 2017 % variance No. NAME DESCRIPTION ELECTORATE 2012 2012 RATIO ELECTORATE 2017 COUNCILLORS from County RATIO from County average average 38 Llanberis The Community of Llanberis 1 1,475 1,475 30% 1,504 1,504 35% 39 Llandderfel The Communities of Llandderfel and Llanycil 1 1,136 1,136 0% 1,103 1,103 -1% 40 Llanengan The Llanengan and Llangian wards of the Community of Llanengan 1 829 829 -27% 791 791 -29% 41 Llangelynin The Communities of Arthog, Llanegryn and Llangelynin 1 1,570 1,570 39% 1,485 1,485 33% 42 Llanllyfni The Llanllyfni, Nantlle and Nebo wards of the Community of Llanllyfni 1 876 876 -23% 863 863 -23% 43 Llanrug The Llanrug ward of the Community of Llanrug 1 1,318 1,318 16% 1,283 1,283 15% 44 Llanuwchllyn The Communities of Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer 1 700 700 -38% 705 705 -37% 45 Llanwnda The Community of Llanwnda 1 1,457 1,457 29% 1,391 1,391 25% 46 Llanystumdwy The Community of Llanystumdwy 1 1,488 1,488 31% 1,464 1,464 31% 47 Marchog The Marchog ward of the Community of Bangor 2 1,386 693 -39% 1,339 670 -40% 48 Menai (Bangor) The Menai ward of the Community of Bangor 2 2,450 1,225 8% 2,600 1,300 17% 49 Menai (Caernarfon) The Gogledd ward of the Community of Caernarfon 1 1,818 1,818 61% 1,741 1,741 56% 50 Morfa Nefyn The Edern and Morfa Nefyn wards of the Community of Nefyn 1 936 936 -17% 931 931 -16% 51 Nefyn The Nefyn Ward of the Community of Nefyn 1 964 964 -15% 892 892 -20% 52 Ogwen The Ogwen ward of the Community of Bethesda 1 1,622 1,622 43% 1,581 1,581 42% 53 Peblig (Caernarfon) The Deheuol ward of the Community of Caernarfon 1 1,429 1,429 26% 1,492 1,492 34% 54 Penisarwaun The Brynrefail, Penisarwaun and Rhiwlas wards of the Community of Llanddeiniolen 1 1,273 1,273 12% 1,291 1,291 16% 55 Penrhyndeudraeth The Communities of Llanfrothen and Penrhyndeudraeth 1 1,814 1,814 60% 1,774 1,774 59% 56 Pentir The Community of Pentir 1 1,700 1,700 50% 1,722 1,722 54% 57 Penygroes The Penygroes ward of the Community of Llanllyfni 1 1,279 1,279 13% 1,219 1,219 9% 58 Porthmadog East The East and Ynys Galch wards of the Community of Porthmadog 1 1,122 1,122 -1% 1,018 1,018 -9% 59 Porthmadog West The Gest, Morfa Bychan and West wards of the Community of Porthmadog 1 1,336 1,336 18% 1,316 1,316 18% The Community of Beddgelert, the Prenteg ward of the Community of Dolbenmaen and 60 Porthmadog-Tremadog 1 942 942 -17% 930 930 -17% the Tremadog ward of the Community of Porthmadog 61 Pwllheli North The North ward of the Community of Pwllheli 1 1,446 1,446 28% 1,361 1,361 22% 62 Pwllheli South The South ward of the Community of Pwllheli 1 1,290 1,290 14% 1,259 1,259 13% 63 Seiont The Gorllewin ward of the Community of Caernarfon 2 2,272 1,136 0% 2,298 1,149 3% The Carmel and Cesarea wards of the Community of Llandwrog and the Talysarn ward of 64 Talysarn 1 1,256 1,256 11% 1,272 1,272 14% the Community of Llanllyfni 65 Teigl The Conglwal and the Cynfal and Teigl wards of the Community of Ffestiniog 1 1,351 1,351 19% 1,340 1,340 20% 66 Trawsfynydd The Communities of and Trawsfynydd 1 1,127 1,127 0% 1,124 1,124 1% 67 Tregarth & Mynydd Llandygái The St Ann's and Tregarth wards of the Community of Llandygái 1 1,599 1,599 41% 1,581 1,581 42% Appendix 2 68 Tudweiliog The Community of Tudweiliog 1 665 665 -41% 631 631 -43% 69 Tywyn The Community of Tywyn 2 2,500 1,250 10% 2,439 1,220 9% 70 Waunfawr The Communities of Betws Garmon and Waunfawr 1 1,255 1,255 11% 1,275 1,275 14% 71 Y Felinheli The Community of Y Felinheli 1 1,588 1,588 40% 1,601 1,601 44% TOTALS: 75 84,927 1,132 83,605 1,115 Ratio is the number of electors per councillor Electoral figures supplied by Gwynedd County Council

2012 2017 Greater than + or - 50% of County average 6 8% 6 8% Between + or - 25% and + or - 50% of County average 25 35% 26 37% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 28 39% 25 35% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 12 18% 14 20% 71 101% 71 100% COUNTY OF GWYNEDD Appendix 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Page 1

No. OF ELECTORATE 2012 % variance ELECTORATE 2017 % variance No. NAME DESCRIPTION COUNCILLORS 2012 RATIO from County 2017 RATIO from County average average 1 Aberdaron The Community of Aberdaron 733 (737) and the Bryncroes 269 (270) ward of the Community of Botwnnog 1 1,002 1,002 -22% 1,007 1,007 -21% 2 Aberdovey The Communities of Aberdovey 667 (620) and Pennal 293 (320) 1 960 960 -25% 940 940 -26% 3 Abererch The Abererch 450 (404) and Y Ffôr 548 (547) wards of the Community of Llannor 1 998 998 -22% 951 951 -25% 4 Abermaw The Community of Barmouth 1 1,608 1,608 25% 1,574 1,574 24% The Communities of Aber 164 (139) and Llanllechid 653 (654) and the Llandygai 193 (179) ward of the Community of 5 Arllechwedd 1 1,010 1,010 -22% 972 972 -23% Llandygai 6 Arthog The Communities of Arthog 787 (700) and Llangelynin 544 (557) 1 1,331 1,331 3% 1,257 1,257 -1% 7 Bala The Communities of Bala 1,362 (1,326) and Llanycil 306 (300) 1 1,668 1,668 30% 1,626 1,626 28% 8 Beddgelert and Dolbenmaen The Communities of Beddgelert 389 (376) and Dolbenmaen 1,016 (987) 1 1,405 1,405 9% 1,363 1,363 8% 9 Bethel The Bethel ward of the Community of Llanddeiniolen 1 1,015 1,015 -21% 1,011 1,011 -20% 10 Bontnewydd and Dinas The Community of Bontnewydd 836 (824) and the Dinas 520 (478) ward of the Community of Llanwnda 1 1,356 1,356 5% 1,302 1,302 3% 11 Bowydd & Rhiw The Bowydd and Rhiw 1,004 (965) and Tanygrisiau 214 (208) wards of the Community of Ffestiniog 1 1,218 1,218 -5% 1,173 1,173 -7% Brithdir & Llanfachreth/ 12 The Communities of Brithdir and Llanfachreth 586 (544), Ganllwyd 127 (118) and Llanelltyd 390 (383) 1 1,103 1,103 -14% 1,045 1,045 -18% Ganllwyd/ Llanelltyd 13 Bro Dysynni The Communities of Bryncrug 505 (509), Llanegryn 239 (228) and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant 256 (252) 1 1,000 1,000 -22% 989 989 -22% 14 Cadnant The Dwyrain ward of the Community of Caernarfon 1 1,405 1,405 9% 1,386 1,386 9% 15 Carneddau The Gerlan 893 (853) and Rachub 658 (653) wards of the Community of Bethesda 1 1,551 1,551 21% 1,506 1,506 19% 16 Clynnog and Llanaelhaearn The Communities of Clynnog Fawr 723 (741) and Llanaelhaearn 769 (778) 1 1,492 1,492 16% 1,519 1,519 20%

17 Corris and Mawddwy The Communities of Corris 458 (433) and Mawddwy 459 (454) 1 917 917 -29% 887 887 -30% 18 Criccieth The Community of Criccieth 1 1,354 1,354 5% 1,321 1,321 4% 19 Deiniol and Hirael The Deiniol 537 (495) and Hirael 957 (985) wards of the Community of Bangor 1 1,494 1,494 16% 1,480 1,480 17% 20 Deiniolen The Clwt y Bont 251 (244), Deiniolen 750 (739) and Dinorwic 181 (181) wards of the Community of Llanddeiniolen 1 1,182 1,182 -8% 1,164 1,164 -8% 21 Dewi and Hendre The Dewi 1,238 (1,299) and Hendre 989 (1,090) wards of the Community of Bangor 2 2,227 1,114 -13% 2,389 1,195 -6% 22 Dolgellau The Community of Dolgellau 2 1,949 975 -24% 1,905 953 -25% The Conglwal 728 (732), Cynfal and Teigl 623 (608) and Diffwys and Maenofferen 755 (648) wards of the Community of 23 Dwyrain Ffestiniog 2 2,106 1,053 -18% 1,988 994 -22% Ffestiniog 24 Dyffryn Ardudwy and Llanbedr The Communities of Dyffryn Ardudwy 1,175 (1,161) and Llanbedr 432 (424) 1 1,607 1,607 25% 1,585 1,585 25% The Community of Buan 385 (374) and the Efail Newydd 376 (346) and Pentre-uchaf 244 (256) wards of the Community of Appendix 3 25 Efail-newydd / Buan 1 1,005 1,005 -22% 976 976 -23% Llannor 26 Garth and Menai The Garth 524 (412) and Menai 2,450 (2,600) wards of the Community of Bangor 2 2,974 1,487 16% 3,012 1,506 19% 27 Glyder The Glyder ward of the Community of Bangor 1 1,382 1,382 7% 1,519 1,519 20% 28 Groeslon The Dinas Dinlle 415 (420) and Groeslon 877 (868) wards of the Community of Llandwrog 1 1,292 1,292 0% 1,288 1,288 2% 29 Harlech and Llanfair The Communities of Harlech 1,049 (1,046) and Llanfair 375 (370) 1 1,424 1,424 11% 1,416 1,416 12% 30 Llanbedrog and Llanengan The Communities of Llanbedrog 781 (725) and Llanengan 1,387 (1,249) 2 2,168 1,084 -16% 1,974 987 -22% 31 Llanberis The Community of Llanberis 1 1,475 1,475 15% 1,504 1,504 19% 32 Llanllyfni The Talysarn 651 (645), Nantlle 156 (161) Llanllynfi 499 (475) and Nebo 221 (227) wards of the Community of Llanllyfni 1 1,527 1,527 19% 1,508 1,508 19% COUNTY OF GWYNEDD Appendix 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Page 2

No. OF ELECTORATE 2012 % variance ELECTORATE 2017 % variance No. NAME DESCRIPTION COUNCILLORS 2012 RATIO from County 2017 RATIO from County average average 33 Llanrug The Community of Llanrug 2 2,014 1,007 -22% 1,989 995 -21% 34 Llanystumdwy The Community of Llanystumdwy 1 1,488 1,488 16% 1,464 1,464 16% 35 Marchog The Marchog ward of the Community of Bangor 1 1,386 1,386 8% 1,339 1,339 6% 36 Menai and Seiont The Gogledd 1,818 (1,741) and Gorllewin 2,272 (2,298) wards of the Community of Caernarfon 3 4,090 1,363 6% 4,039 1,346 6% 37 Nefyn and Pistyll The Communities of Nefyn 1,900 (1,823) and Pistyll 397 (378) 2 2,297 1,149 -11% 2,201 1,101 -13% 38 Ogwen The Ogwen ward of the Community of Bethesda 1 1,622 1,622 26% 1,581 1,581 25% 39 Peblig (Caernarfon) The Deheuol ward of the Community of Caernarfon 1 1,429 1,429 11% 1,492 1,492 18% 40 Penisarwaun The Brynrefail 213 (210), Penisarwaun 540 (534) and Rhiwlas 520 (547) wards of the Community of Llanddeiniolen 1 1,273 1,273 -1% 1,291 1,291 2% 41 Penllyn Wledig The Communities of Llandderfel 830 (803), Llangywer 191 (197) and Llanuwchllyn 509 (508) 1 1,530 1,530 19% 1,508 1,508 19% 42 Penrhyndeudraeth The Communities of Llanfrothen 332 (336), Penrhyndeudraeth 1,482 (1,438) and Talsarnau 442 (455) 2 2,256 1,128 -12% 2,229 1,115 -12% 43 Pentir The Community of Pentir 1 1,700 1,700 32% 1,722 1,722 36% 44 Penygroes The Penygroes ward of the Community of Llanllyfni 1 1,279 1,279 -1% 1,219 1,219 -4% 45 Porthmadog East The East 683 (611), Tremadog 457 (446) and Ynys Galch 439 (407) wards of the Community of Porthmadog 1 1,579 1,579 23% 1,464 1,464 16% 46 Porthmadog West The Gest 283 (261), Morfa Bychan 453 (422) and West 600 (633) wards of the Community of Porthmadog 1 1,336 1,336 4% 1,316 1,316 4% 47 Pwllheli North The North ward of the Community of Pwllheli 1 1,446 1,446 12% 1,361 1,361 7% 48 Pwllheli South The South ward of the Community of Pwllheli 1 1,290 1,290 0% 1,259 1,259 -1% 49 Trawsfynydd The Communities of Maentwrog 436 (412) and Trawsfynydd 691 (712) 1 1,127 1,127 -12% 1,124 1,124 -11% Tregarth and Mynydd 50 The St Ann's 497 (497) and Tregarth 1,102 (1,084) wards of the Community of Llandygái 1 1,599 1,599 24% 1,581 1,581 25% Llandygái The Rhosgadfan 423 (412) and Rhostryfan 514 (501) wards of the Community of Llanwnda and the Carmel 379 (400) and 51 Tryfan 1 1,542 1,542 20% 1,540 1,540 22% Cesarea 226 (227) wards of the Community of Llandwrog The Community of Tudweiliog 665 (631) and the Botwnnog 241 (241) and Meillteyrn 190 (162) wards of the Community of 52 Tudweiliog 1 1,096 1,096 -15% 1,034 1,034 -18% Botwnnog 53 Tywyn The Community of Tywyn 2 2,500 1,250 -3% 2,439 1,220 -4% 54 Waunfawr The Communities of Bettws Garmon 176 (166) and Waunfawr 1,079 (1,109) 1 1,255 1,255 -2% 1,275 1,275 1% 55 Y Felinheli The Community of Y Felinheli 1 1,588 1,588 23% 1,601 1,601 26% TOTALS: 66 84,927 1,287 83,605 1,267

Ratio is the number of electors per councillor Appendix 3 The number of electors for 2012 and 2017 (in brackets) are included in the description of those electoral divisions which comprise more than one community / community ward Electoral figures supplied by Gwynedd County Council

2012 2017 Greater than + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between + or - 25% and + or - 50% of County average 7 13% 10 18% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 31 56% 27 49% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 17 31% 18 33% 55 100% 55 100% Appendix 4

Appendix 4

Appendix 4 Appendix 4

Appendix 5

SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO DRAFT PROPOSALS

1. Aberdyfi Community Council wrote listing the comments made at a meeting held 18 October 2010: • Happy that Aberdyfi will not be amalgamated with Tywyn; • Pleased that Aberdyfi is to retain its name; • Concerned about the increase in population through the summer months as there is a need for the Gwynedd Councillor to be available for second home owners who, although not living in the village permanently, still pay full Council Tax; • Concerned that there could be a great deal more work for the representative; and, • Worried that there could be a loss of local community spirit.

2. Beddgelert Community Council wrote commenting that, in their opinion, the name of the proposed electoral division should be ‘Beddgelert – Dolbenmaen’ and not Dolbenmaen as proposed.

3. Bethesda Community Council wrote stating that five years ago, two Gwynedd community wards were combined (Rachub and Gerlan) to make one electoral division (with one elected member), where previously, as separate divisions they each had their own member on Gwynedd Council. Both divisions are still separate wards for Bethesda Community Council, having three members each. They queried whether we could rename the Gwynedd Council division as this creates confusion for the electorate at elections. Bethesda Community Council would like to rename the Gerlan / Rachub division as Carneddau at the Gwynedd Council level. They comment that there is no need to change the names at community council level.

4. Bontnewydd Community Council wrote with the following comments: • In principle, they support the proposal of one councillor per division; • Further consideration should be given to the suggestions made by Councillor Clive James, Caeathro ward, Waunfawr Community Council, to combine the wards of Caeathro (Waunfawr) and Dinas (Llanwnda) with Bontnewydd to form one division; and, • The Community Council accepted the proposal of combining Bontnewydd and Llanwnda to form one two-member division – they added, however, that this would not be ideal.

5. Bryncrug Community Council wrote to confirm agreeing the proposal to combine Bryncrug, Llanegryn and Llanfihangel Y Pennant and suggested the name of Bro Dysynni.

6. Buan Community Council wrote raising concerns with regard to Buan Community Council being split, the division being combined with Nefyn and the Ceidio and Bachellaeth divisions being combined with Morfa Nefyn. They queried if the

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proposed changes to the electoral divisions would impede the Community Councils as they exist at present.

7. Caernarfon Royal Town Council e-mailed stating that they would like to keep the existing four divisions but were happy for the Commission to decide the numbers. They would like the divisions to remain the same, as figures from other areas show a higher number of electors than Menai would have. They also stated that to amalgamate Menai and Seiont would entail a two mile area to walk around for every Councillor which they considered not viable.

8. Corris Community Council wrote with the following comments:

• The electoral divisions do not take account of the geography of some areas. A norm applied to some more densely populated and less mountainous parts is inappropriate to other areas because of the distances to be covered and the nature of the terrain. The proposal for and Llanuwchllyn to be linked ignored the fact that the road between them crosses the highest pass in Wales which is often closed for weeks at time in the winter. A councillor would need to be able to travel to electors and their habitat. • The Council strongly disagreed with Gwynedd Council’s assumption that Corris has greater community ties with Pennal than it does with Mawddwy and should therefore be linked with Aberdyfi. Whilst the Community Council did not disagree that there are common links with Pennal, they felt that as a community they have nothing at all in common with Aberdyfi and would object strongly to being under the wing of a County Councillor from that village which would seem to be inevitable under the proposal because of the imbalance of the relative populations. The Community Council was also concerned that if the Aberdyfi, Pennal and Corris linking is approved, it will be the only electoral division in Gwynedd which is based on three community councils. How long would it be before it is decided that two of those Councils must be amalgamated? They feel sure that all three community areas are sufficiently separate to continue to operate as they do now.

9. Dolbenmaen Community Council wrote stating they agreed with the proposals at paragraph 5.39 of the report regarding Dolbenmaen. They added that the Community Council would support the elected member to fulfil the work required in such a geographically large area.

10. Dolgellau Town Council wrote agreeing the proposals for Dolgellau division.

11. Harlech Community Council wrote opposing the intention for Llanbedr, Harlech and Talsarnau divisions to have two Councillors as this would make no sense and does not save money as they currently have two Councillors. They stated that this would cost more in the long term, as the two Councillors would be attending the four Community Council meetings, which would mean more travelling costs. They feel that both Councillors could receive the same complaints therefore visiting a site on more than one occasion. They feel the proposals would create tension, as two Councillors would have different suggestions regarding the division which they do not represent currently and the electors would be unsure regarding which Councillor they should take their complaint to. They suggested leaving arrangements as they currently are, with one Councillor for the Llanbedr and Llanfair division and one Councillor for the Harlech and Talsarnau division.

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12. Llanbedrog Community Council wrote opposing the proposal to combine the Efail-newydd ward of the Community of Llannor with the Community of Llanbedrog to form a new electoral division for the following reasons:

They did not accept the suggestion that the number of Councillors should be reduced. Rural constituencies are small in terms of population, large in terms of landscape and geography, with an agricultural based economy supported by tourism. The Commission should overlook the formula of one member per 1,750 voters in rural constituencies such as the Llyn Peninsula. The role of the Councillor in the Constituency should be considered, the larger the area the harder it is to maintain the connection which is key to being an effective Councillor.

There are no geographical, cultural or community links between Llanbedrog and Efailnewydd. The A497 services Efail-newydd and the A499 and B4413 services Llanbedrog. These roads create a connection between communities and have done so throughout history. There is no connection between the two except for Penrhos on the A499 which is located in the southern part of Efail-newydd. Including Penrhos is a possibility, but not the Efail-newydd constituency as a whole. They feel that the Commission is not sure what to do with Efail-newydd after establishing two new constituencies in Llannor and Ffôr.

The Community Council feel if the Commission increase the number of people in the constituency, then we could have included , from the Llangian constituency, which has a much closer link with Llanbedrog in terms of the B4413 and similarities in terms of population and culture. They stated the constituencies of Llangian and Abersoch would cause problems in terms of the number of voters.

The Community Council informed the Commission that Llanbedrog is a village closely connected with tourism, being home to a thousand static and seasonal caravans and has a high percentage of holiday homes and retirement homes, as well as many elderly residents, which can cause seasonal and on-going problems in terms of population and culture. The difference between Efail-newydd and Llanbedrog is huge and therefore they are not compatible in terms of creating a new division.

The Community Council believed that Efail-newydd should continue to be a part of Llannor, with the 390 voters increasing the number of voters to 1,690, which is lower than the 1,750 suggested as the ideal number by the Minister for Social Justice. They find it difficult to accept that Efail-newydd would be added to the Llanbedrog community in order to justify electoral figures.

The Council requested we reconsider proposals for the electoral division of Llanbedrog and that we leave it as it is, as opposed to adding another electorate as an extension.

13. Llanengan Community Council wrote to express concern regarding the intention to combine the wards of Abersoch and Llangian. They stated that ‘ratepayers are not mentioned either in the review or in the proposals, more of them are represented in this area than electors, as the owners of holiday homes do not register on the electoral roll and it is felt that this is very unfair’.

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14. Llanfair Community Council wrote opposing the intention for Llanbedr, Harlech and Talsarnau divisions to have two Councillors as this would make no sense and not save money, as they currently have two Councillors. They stated that this would cost more in the long term, as the two Councillors would be attending the four Community Council meetings which would mean more travelling costs. They felt that both Councillors could receive the same complaint therefore visiting a site on more than one occasion. They felt the proposals would create tension as two Councillors would have different suggestions regarding the division which they do not represent currently and the electors would be unsure regarding which Councillor they should take their complaint to. They suggested leaving arrangements as they currently are with one Councillor for the Llanbedr and Llanfair divisions and one Councillor for the Harlech and Talsarnau divisions.

15. Llanfihangel-Y-Pennant Community Council wrote with no objection to combining Llanfihangel-Y-Pennant, Bryncrug and Llanegryn, suggesting the name Dysynni or Ystumanner (if Ystumanner is to be used, they informed the Commission that the correct spelling should be looked at as some people claim that Estumanner is the correct spelling).

16. Llanfrothen Community Council wrote recommending changing the name to Penrhyndeudraeth – Llanfrothen.

17. Llanllyfni Community Council wrote opposing the proposals and made the following comments:

• The proposal to combine Clynnog and Llanllyfni would mean that part of the division would be in Dwyfor and the other in Arfon. This would also mean that, for the purposes of Assembly Elections and General Elections, part of the division would be in Meirion Dwyfor and the other in Arfon – a situation which would surely create confusion amongst voters. Dyffryn Nantlle is, and has been, a unique area without any links to Clynnog. It is a post-industrial valley with a unique character and its particular problems. • They felt it should be noted that the changes made during the previous boundary reorganisation have been unsuccessful, when the wards of Talysarn, Carmel and Fron were merged, which led to administrative irregularities and frustration when trying to accomplish effective political organisation and accountability. • They suggested the following as possible ways of progressing, which would keep Dyffryn Nantlle as a unit and correct the problems with the previous reorganisation:

a. Combine the Clynog 737 (747) ward with Llanaelhaearn 815 (814) = 1,561 – one Councillor. b. Combine the Pistyll 401 (408) ward with Dwyrain Nefyn 1,119 (1,114) = 1,522 – one Councillor. c. Combine the wards of Talysarn 654 (670), Llanllyfni 514 (517), Nantlle 148 (14) and Nebo 291 (213) = 1,550 – one Councillor. d. Combine the wards of Llandwrog 435 (436), Groeslon 885 (884), Carmel 392 (408) and Fron 236 (243) = 2,170 – two Councillors.

The Council stated that the above pattern would mean five Councillors instead of six. There are examples in the review of electoral divisions with more electors than

-4- Appendix 5

those in options b, c and d. For example, the Community of Barmouth – 1,688, the Communities of Arthog, Llanegryn and Llangelynin 1,644, the Community of Pentir 1,704, the Community of Felinheli 1,611 (and others).

The Council continued that having two Councillors serving Llandwrog (2,170 electors) would conform with the proposal, as the report recommends two Councillors for Dolgellau with 2,034 electors, the Community of Llanrug with 2,085 electors and the Community of Dwyrain Ffestiniog with 2,209 electors.

The Community Council was of the opinion that there are alternative methods to drawing a line on a map, “however convenient that may be”. They also believed there are fundamental differences between Llanllyfni and Clynnog and that they need to be fully considered.

18. Llannor Community Council wrote with the following comments:

• That the new arrangement is very unclear for the electorate. • That the existing Community Council boundaries in Gwynedd should be retained.

19. Llanuwchllyn Community Council wrote with regard to Section 5.66, which recommends including the Community of Mawddwy in the Llanuwchllyn electoral division. This was discussed by Llanuwchllyn Community Council on 5 October, and they reported the following observations:

• There is no natural link between the communities of Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn. There are social and topographical factors which impact on this, for example people living in the Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn areas attend different secondary schools and do their shopping in different towns. In fact, the two communities are separated by Bwlch y Groes, so it is not practical to travel directly from one community to the other. • The area of Penllyn (the Bala, Llandderfel and Llanuwchllyn communities) is a natural community with strong social and cultural links. The fact that Partneriaeth Penllyn (the Penllyn Partnership, which includes the aforementioned communities) has been established to represent these communities is proof of this link.

The Community Council commented that it would be necessary to retain Penllyn as a social unit and therefore opposed the intention of including the Community of Mawddwy in the Llanuwchllyn electoral division.

20. Llanwnda Community Council e-mailed and made the following comments:

• Some facts in the document are incorrect. For example, there are in excess of 1,800 voters in Llanwnda, not 1,522 as per the estimate on the document. It is also noted that planning permission has been granted to build at least 40 new houses in Rhostryfan and Dinas, which will add to the numbers. • Llanwnda is a vast area comprising already three large villages and three small villages and members felt that including the villages currently within the Bontnewydd community would make the task of representing residents an impossible one.

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• No historical links exist between the two areas, and it would make more sense to merge Bontnewydd with Waunfawr and Caeathro. • The Community Council is already having considerable difficulty in recruiting councillors and therefore creating a larger council would exacerbate the difficulty. Most of the current councillors state that they would not want to be part of a larger council and, should that be the case, they would resign from the council. • Members do not see any benefits to the plan.

21. Mawddwy Community Council e-mailed opposing the recommendation to include Mawddwy with the Llanuwchllyn electoral division (which would include the Llangywer Community). They feel that there is a natural connection between Corris and Mawddwy and a gap separating Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn. They feel it unfair to have three Communities to one Councillor.

22. Penrhyndeudraeth Town Council wrote following a meeting of the full Council stating that they feel strongly that this electoral division, with 1,829, electors should have two Councillors, particularly as Menai (Bangor) with only 1,585 electors currently has two Councillors, but if 2,000 electors are required for two Councillors then the Community of Beddgelert can be transferred to Penrhyndeudraeth without affecting Dolbenmaen, which would still have sufficient number of electors to retain one Councillor.

23. Porthmadog Town Council held a meeting to discuss the draft proposals and responded with the following comments:

• They disagreed with the suggestion not to cross boundaries when establishing new boundaries. • They were of the opinion that decreasing the number of representatives for the Porthmadog Town area would certainly lead to under-representation.

24. Talsarnau Community Council wrote to oppose the intention for Llanbedr, Harlech and Talsarnau divisions to have two Councillors, asserting that this would make no sense and would not save money as they currently have two Councillors. The Community Council stated that this would cost more in the long term, as the two Councillors would be attending the four Community Council meetings, which would mean more travelling costs. They felt that both Councillors could receive the same complaint, therefore visiting a site on more than one occasion. They feel the proposals would create tension as two Councillors would have different suggestions regarding the division which they do not represent currently and the electors would be unsure regarding which Councillor they should take their complaint to. They strongly suggest leaving arrangements as they currently are, with one Councillor for the Llanbedr and Llanfair divisions and one Councillor for the Harlech and Talsarnau divisions.

25. Councillor Jean Forsyth (Hirael, Bangor) wrote suggesting the following alternative names for the proposed electoral division of Garth and Hirael:

• Gogarth - Gogarth is the Welsh name for Orme and there is an Orme Road in the Hirael area named after the Great Orme in Llandudno that can be seen from Hirael Bay. The Gogarth division would be appealing to electors in the old divisions of Garth and Hirael.

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• Penrhyn – overlooks Hirael Bay and Port Penrhyn and can also be seen from Garth and Bangor Pier. By choosing Penrhyn a degree of neutrality would be achieved.

26. Councillor Keith Greenly-Jones (Marchog) opposed the figures as not being a true reflection of the amount of electors as there are a number who have not returned their voting forms. He stated that, from experience, being a large urban division, there is a lot of work to be done that would require two Councillors. He appreciated the fact that other divisions have their problems but not as bad as the large urban divisions and he would appreciate Marchog division having two Councillors. He stated that it would be very unfair for the City of Bangor to lose three Councillors, cutting the whole of Gwynedd from 75 to 66, a reduction of nine. He did not see any logic in amalgamating two divisions, retaining their Councillors.

27. Councillor O P Huws (Llanllyfni) wrote expressing opposition to the proposed combining of Clynnog and Llanllyfni. He accepted there is an argument for reducing the number of Councillors, stating the formula based on the number of electors had been used without fully considering the implications for rural wards in terms of inequality. He commented that he considers rural areas have specific problems. Extending the area of a division can mean much more work for a Councillor, particularly taking into consideration rural roads, greater attention to the elderly, the need to safeguard services, Post Offices, public transport services etc. There is no natural link between Clynnog and the ; the nature of the Llanllyfni division is post-industrial and quarry related. He stated that combining Dwyfor and Arfon divisions and also Westminster and Assembly constituencies is contrary to the initial recommendations, and believed it would be far less confusing to avoid that at all costs.

He stated that currently, as a result of previous boundary reorganisations, the Nantlle Valley is administratively fragmented, and changing those boundaries would be an opportunity to rectify the mistake by being more mindful of the needs of people in the Nantlle Valley. He continued that it would be far tidier to retain the Nantlle Valley as one unit within the area of the Llanllyfni Community Council. Councillor Huws viewed the proposals submitted by Llanllyfni Community Council as being reasonable and sensible as they would mean that the areas indicated would have five, instead of six Councillors as at present, and will safeguard the Nantlle Valley as one neat unit. Councillor Huws reiterated the Community Council’s proposals, thus:

• Merging the Clynnog ward, 747 electors with Llanaelhaearn, 814 electors = one Councillor representing 1,561 electors. • Merging the Pistyll ward, 408 electors with Dwyrain Nefyn ward, 1,114 electors = one Councillor representing 1,522 electors. • Merging the Talysarn ward, 670 electors with the wards of Llanllyfni 517 electors, Nantlle, 147 electors and Nebo, 213 electors = one Councillor representing 1,550 electors. • Merging the wards of Llandwrog, 436 electors, Y Groeslon, 884 electors, Carmel, 408 electors and 243 electors = two Councillors representing over 2,170 electors.

-7- Appendix 5

28. Councillor John Gwilym Jones (Llanengan) wrote with comments regarding the proposal to combine the Llanengan and Abersoch divisions, stating that if both divisions were combined, it would present a problem in that the division of Llanengan has one of the highest percentage of second homes in Wales (in the region of 43%) and would result in an electorate well over 2,000. The division currently has at least 35 planning consents granted, which are in the process of development and as yet not recorded on the electoral roll. He stated that the division already has the highest rate of planning applications. He commented that Abersoch is a large village, bordering on town status, with over 35 business properties and the area is a magnet for wealthy people who buy properties at inflated prices. Councillor Jones continued that Llanengan has in the region of 55 registered camping and caravan sites and numerous hotels, guest houses and holiday lets, which inflate the population over the summer months to over 20,000, creating problems that the local Councillors are called upon daily to resolve. The division is some five miles from one end to the other, whether north to south or east to west. He stated that there are at least 45 miles of footpaths and a network of narrow class 3 or unclassified roads. The region, Councillor Jones continued, has four popular beaches, is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has special areas of conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which all add to the workload of a Councillor.

He advised that there are three schools within the division, two in the Llanengan division and one in the Abersoch division, with current legislation only allowing Councillors to be represented on the Governing body for two schools.

Councillor Jones felt that the extra workload generated by having only one Councillor for the two divisions would be unacceptable, with remuneration inadequate to cover the amount of work that the divisions would generate. He further felt it would be difficult to recruit a new Councillor.

29. Councillor W Penri Jones (Llanbedrog) wrote stating his disappointment that the electoral division was not being kept as an independent entity. He welcomed the fact that Llanbedrog would not be merged with Buan in its entirety creating a huge geographical area. He also accepted the proposal to merge Llanbedrog with Efail- newydd. He expressed a preference that Llanbedrog remain as it is, but if there were to be a change, then what had been suggested in the draft proposals would be the wisest suggestion to take forward.

30. Councillor John Wynn Meredith (Garth) wrote with one comment in relation to paragraph 5.35 of the Commission’s Draft Proposals report (concerning Garth and Hirael Bangor), stating that there is very little contact between Garth and Hirael and, he believed, merging both would not be efficient.

31. Councillor Godfrey D Northam (Rachub) wrote, stating that Bethesda Community Council has been suggesting for some time that the Commission change the name of RIB+RIC from Gerlan to Carneddau as the division includes a Community called Gerlan RIC, and this can confuse voters, as well as causing animosity in the Community ward of Rachub RIB. The mountains close to the division are called Carneddau.

-8- Appendix 5

32. Councillor Glyn Roberts (Botwnnog) wrote to express his disappointment with the draft proposals for the following reasons:

• He was not in favour of multi-member divisions as he believed they duplicate the work of councillors and create uncertainty among the electorate as to who is working on their behalf in the Community. The Council’s view is that there should be no increase in the number of multi-member divisions and that such divisions should not contain more than two members; one member per division is the most effective and convenient situation. Section 3.7d and appendix 4d of the report state that the current multi-member divisions should not be altered without the approval of the electorate. Councillor Roberts stated that in spite of this the Commission is recommending an increase in the number of multi-member divisions from four to eight, and one of these would have three members, which he considered to be completely contrary to the view of the Council. • With reference to boundaries, Councillor Roberts commented that Gwynedd Council stated clearly that no new divisions should cross the boundaries of the Council’s regions, namely Arfon, Dwyfor and Meirionnydd. He stated that in the report, with regard to the electoral division of Penrhyndeudraeth, the Commission has chosen not to cross the boundaries of Dwyfor and Meirionnydd but, with regard to Clynnog and Llanllyfni, one of which is in Dwyfor and the other in Arfon, the Commission wishes to bring them together in one division, which will create considerable consternation for the Council’s arrangements, as the new Planning Committee consists of five members from Arfon, five from Dwyfor and five from Meirionnydd. He questioned which region will the member for the new electoral division represent and felt this will cause great confusion and uncertainty in the new Planning Committee. • The recommendations bring together Abersoch and Llanengan, areas with the highest percentages of second homes in Gwynedd. Councillor Roberts stated that this would create an electoral division 11% larger than the county average, with 48% of its dwellings being second homes. He felt that this would place exceptional pressure on the member for this division. • He commented that the Commission claims to have considered community connections but has disregarded this more than once: Councillor Roberts cited Botwnnog, where the intention is to abolish the division and bring Bryncroes together with Aberdaron and Sarn and couple Botwnnog with Tudweiliog. This would ignore the close social inter-relationship between Bryncroes and Sarn. He stated that the nursery school, which serves both villages, is located in Bryncroes, the Memorial Hall, built to commemorate the warriors from both villages who fell in the two World Wars, is in Sarn and the Bryncroes and Sarn Flower Queen Carnival has been an annual event since 1963. • The proposals, Councillor Roberts continued, would cause great consternation in schools, especially primary schools. Local Councillors are expected to serve on the governing bodies of schools within their divisions but there are rules which forbid all Councillors from serving on more than two governing bodies. These proposals place more than two primary schools in several divisions, and in one instance there are five primary schools within one division. This would make it impossible for a Councillor to serve each of the schools.

-9- Appendix 5

Councillor Roberts expressed pleasure that the Commission recommended an electorate of 1,297 for all Councillors, because the comparator of 1,750 electors for each member is totally preposterous in a rural county such as Gwynedd. He regarded the proposals as having been drawn up with scant consideration for the circumstances which exist in the communities.

33. Councillor Owain Williams (Clynnog Fawr) wrote as a County Councillor and Leader of the Voice of Gwynedd Group (which has 13 members on the Council):

• From Section 5.71 of the Commission’s Draft Report (regarding Penrhyndeudraeth), he quoted the following, “we considered creating electoral divisions that combined the Community of Llanfrothen with either the adjoining Community of Beddgelert or the adjoining Community of Tremadog but all of these options had one or more of the following disadvantages: forming a multi-member division, crossing the Dwyfor / Meirionnydd boundary…..”. Councillor Williams agreed with the Commission’s comments to oppose the above option as it would entail crossing the Dwyfor / Meirionnydd boundary. • From Section 5.30 of the Draft Report (regarding Clynnog and Llanllyfni), he quoted the following, “by combining the Clynnog and Llanllyfni electoral divisions, an electoral division is formed with a total of 1,618 electors represented by one Councillor which is 25% above the proposed county average of 1,297 electors….we noted that this proposal did not meet the request from Gwynedd County Council to retain the Arfon / Dwyfor boundary”. Councillor Williams referred to a lack of consistency in the Commission’s proposals – “on the one hand, retaining the Dwyfor / Meirionnydd boundary, in Section 5.71….whilst in the same breath destroying the boundary in Clynnog / Llanllyfni”.

He thought there was a much better and fairer way of changing and extending some of these boundaries – beginning with North Dwyfor, and commented as follows:

• History and tradition have bound Clynnog and Trefor together for generations, for example, there is a Clynnog and Trefor bus company and the road to the Llyn Peninsula and the A499 runs between them. A few years ago the boundaries were changed by combining the communities of Pistyll and Llanaelhaearn, although there is not much of a link between the two communities (Pistyll is linked naturally with Nefyn). Councillor Williams’s representation forwarded the following recommendations; combining the Community of Clynnog with part of the Community of Llanelhaearn, namely the Llanaelhaearn ward, which includes the village of Trefor. Move the Community of Pistyll, which includes the village of , to the Community of Nefyn. As Nefyn has only 1,000 electors, this combination would increase the number to approximately 1,400, whilst a corresponding reduction of 400 electors in the Community of Llanaelhaearn would give a Clynnog and Llanaelhaeam electoral division of 1,400-1,500 electors. • As the Nefyn division would increase to approximately 1,400 electors, the Morfa Nefyn ward boundary would need to be reconsidered, which according to the proposal has only 1,229 electors, and adding the Bodfuan

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ward to it (119 electors) would bring the total number of electors to 1,348, which is nearer the proposed county average of 1,297.

34. Councillor Roy Owen (Seiont, Caernarfon) wrote to express his concerns with regard the proposal to create a Menai and Seiont division (paragraph 5.67 Caernarfon Electoral Divisions, Cadnant, Menai, Peblig and Seiont). He believed that many factors needed to be taken into consideration as follows:

• Seiont ward is a large ward – since being elected as Councillor for this division, he has had to give up his previous employment in order to be able to serve the constituents fully. • A brand new school is being built on Seiont ward and on the old school site, planning consent has been granted to build 183 two-, three- and four- bedroomed houses. • Another new housing development of approximately 50 houses is proposed for the Tesco site.

The above would mean an influx of residents to the Seiont division and an increased workload for the Councillor of that division. Councillor Owen believed the report had not taken these matters into consideration and did not see any benefit to constituents in combining Seiont division with Menai division. He felt that Seiont division should continue to be represented by two Councillors and remain as it is. He proposed combining the Menai and Cadnant divisions.

Councillor Owen stated that, other than the points he had raised, he agreed with the majority of the report.

35. Councillor Peter Read (Pwllheli) wrote raising a small issue, in that the name of his division is called Abererch and that the suggested Y Ffôr would cause problems between the two villages. He would, therefore, prefer to retain the original name of Abererch.

36. Councillor Liz Saville Roberts (Morfa, Nefyn and Edern) e-mailed to oppose the changes to Morfa Nefyn, specifically the suggestion of moving Bachellaeth (which belongs to the Buan Community) into a new division. She stated that it could be argued that there is a connection between the Morfa Nefyn, Edern and Ceidio wards, although the Ceidio ward is not a member of the Nefyn Town Council. There is no historic connection between Bachellaeth and Morfa Nefyn. There is a definite divide between the Communities of the north and south of the Llŷn Peninsula with the Communities along the north coast connected to each other by the B4417, whilst the Communities of the south tend to look towards Pwllheli, Llanbedrog and Abersoch. The village of , Bachellaeth’s main community, is in the catchment area of Ysgol Pentreuchaf, although many of the children also attend Ysgol Llanbedrog. Councillor Saville Roberts stated that, as far as she was aware, no child from Rhydyclafdy / Bachellaeth attends Ysgol Edern or Ysgol Morfa Nefyn.

Councillor Saville Roberts felt the Commission must also consider the additional pressure placed upon the elected representative of an area with a high percentage of holiday homes; 20% in Morfa Nefyn’s case. Although the owners and residents of these homes do not vote on every occasion, they do expect support from the local member. She strongly suggested we consider using the boundaries of the

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local Community Councils and the connection that exists between the communities situated on the north of the Llŷn Peninsula. She added that she would like it noted that Ceidio and Dinas belong to Ysgol Edern’s catchment area and these communities offer a natural extension to the Morfa Nefyn / Edern constituency.

37. Councillor Ioan C Thomas (Menai, Caernarfon) e-mailed to comment that it would be unreasonable, and possibly immoral, to request representation based on a Councillor:elector ratio of 1:1,750, which was strongly emphasised as the basic principle during the meeting held in Dolgellau, and then proposing a ratio of 1:1,207. He referred to his experience as a councillor in a two-member ward and added, “what do you propose in the Draft Review but a three-member ward. Seriously where is the accountability of a councillor to electors in a council electoral division! The character and composition of the Menai ward are completely different from that of the Seiont ward”.

He stated the Penrhyndeudraeth division has a ratio of 1:1,829 (which is more than in the Menai division) and questioned the consistency in the proposal, querying in particular whether there is any evidence to show that the electors in the Menai division are losing out.

Councillor Thomas considers there was no attention to Gwynedd Council’s initial representation of not having multi-member divisions of more than two councillors. He stated that the representation expressed the view that one councillor for each division provides the most effective and convenient arrangement, and he felt that this has also been ignored in the proposal.

He commented that there are nine electoral divisions in the draft review which exceed the 1:1,297 ratio by over 20%, so the suggestion of retaining the existing Menai division is not unique.

Councillor Thomas suggested that, should the Commission disregard the above representation, it should consider changing the town centre boundaries of the Menai ward. He forwarded an example, thus: the Commission could include Northgate Street, Church Street and High Street (400 electors) in the Seiont ward in order to increase the ratio in that ward whilst reducing the ratio in the Menai ward.

38. Councillor R Hywel Wyn Williams (Abersoch Ward Community of Llanengan) wrote to express concern that the proposal did not make any reference to the need to serve ratepayers as well as electors and that it does not contain any recommendations to examine this, either by means of a working group or discussion with members who expressed their concerns, nor with the area or Community Council. There are in excess of 100 businesses in Abersoch and the number of ratepayers is between four and five times the number of electors, therefore he argued, most of the planning applications come from the ratepayers. He stated that the importance of this is that the ratepayers have the same fair service as the electors, as they pay Council Tax, which is now very high. Councillor Williams commented that the emphasis on accountability is important to them as members who represent the area, irrespective of whether the residents are ratepayers or electors. He is hoping the final version recognises this, and expressed his opposition to any changes to the Community of Llanengan.

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39. Councillor Hywel Roberts (Caernarfon Town Council) wrote opposing the proposals and to express his dissatisfaction with the lack of understanding, on the part of the Commission, regarding the use of statistics.

He stated that the objective of a councillor is to represent a natural community. By combining Seiont and Menai this would not create a natural community as Seiont division is on the south side of the town. The two divisions are separated by both the Peblig and Cadnant divisions. Seiont uses Hendre School whilst Menai uses Gelli School.

Councillor Roberts commented that in Section 5.69, the proposed division of 3,990 electors with three councillors gave a representation of 1,330 electors per councillor. He agreed this would be arithmetically correct but a misuse of statistics as it does not represent reality. He stated that a group of 1,330 electors out of 3,990 do not come together and say “we will always contact Councillor A”, while a second group of 1,330 say that they will contact Councillor B and a third group of 1,330 say that they will always contact Councillor C. This is what was suggested in the proposal but he does not think this is reality as, in theory, all 3,990 could decide to contact Councillor A.

He followed on to say that if Councillor A, B or C wanted to contact the electorate he / she cannot select 1,330 “at random or by selection”, he / she must contact all 3,900 electors. At election time, each individual Councillor must contact and canvass all 3,900 electors. To say that the proposals give one councillor per 1,330 electors is arithmetically correct but is statistically meaningless and unfair to both the elector and councillors.

Councillor Roberts continued that the Commissioners have no statistical background and have not received any guidance from professional statisticians. He stated that a simplistic arithmetical approach has been made without understanding the need to use meaningful statistics.

He considered that the statement in Section 5.69 that the proposal to combine the Menai and Seiont divisions, ‘provides a significant improvement in terms of electoral parity over the existing arrangements’, to be one of the most “incredibly ignorant” statements he has ever read.

Councillor Roberts did not believe there is clear logic behind the proposals other than a, “one-eyed obsession with simplistic arithmetic”. He strongly opposed the proposal and would like Caernarfon to remain as is exists presently.

40. Councillor Brian Jones (Llanrug) wrote regarding the Llanrug proposal. Councillor Jones felt that the name of the proposed electoral division should be changed to capture each village within the electoral division, in order to avoid confusion and low turn out at elections. He suggested the following name: Cwm-y- glo, Llanrug, Ceunant, Tan-y-coed & Pontrug. He further recommended that the electoral division remain as single-member.

41. Dwyfor Meirionnydd Constituency Labour Party wrote with comments relating to Meirionnydd and Dwyfor, stressing that they were not making comments in relation to Arfon.

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They stated they are broadly supportive of the proposals, with the number of councillors proposed for Dwyfor and Meirionnydd appropriate to represent the populace. They did not consider that the factors used for determining electoral divisions should include the indeterminate number of summer visitors. They felt that if the Commission was to request alternative arrangements for one electoral division, that of Penrhyndeudraeth, the Dwyfor Meirionnyd Constituency Labour Party would like to draw attention to the fact that there would be an impact also on Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech and Llanbedr.

They stated that they agreed the draft proposals for Penrhyndeudraeth represent a major anomaly: the average number of electors per councillor in the rest of Meirionnydd is around 1,250; the projected number of electors for the proposed Penrhyndeudraeth division is 1,847, which is nearly 200 electors more than any other division proposed for Meirionnydd and only 180 fewer electors than the community of Dolgellau (to which it is proposed to assign two councillors). They stated that the proposal for Penrhyndeudraeth is for a level of representation that is a unique and stark anomaly, which would leave the electors of Penrhyndeudraeth substantially under-represented.

The Dwyfor Meirionnyd Constituency Labour Party stated that the Commission should reconsider the option of making Penrhyndeudraeth a two-member division, as the percentage deviation from the county average would be less with two councillors than with the current one councillor.

They suggested combining the population on both banks of the River Dwyryd into a new two-member division.

They commented that the Community of Talsarnau has close historic links with the communities on the other bank of the Dwyryd that now forms Penrhyndeudraeth, and referred to the book ‘Sails on the Dwyryd’ (page 60) for a concise summary of the desire of the two Communities on the opposite banks of the Dwyryd for close links and the Parliamentary activity that led to the construction of the bridge at Briwat which, to this day, provides good rail and road links between both sides of the river. Traffic usage of the bridge at Briwat is heavy and planning is underway to replace it with a larger capacity structure.

The Dwyfor Meirionnyd Constituency Labour Party commented that some residents of Talsarnau take advantage of employment opportunities at various offices and small industrial units in Penrhyndeudraeth.

They continued that combining Talsarnau with Penrhyndeudraeth would produce an electoral division of 2,286 (projected – Talsarnau 430 plus Penrhyndeudraeth 1,847). This would be a variance from the county average of only 14%, the same as neighbouring Trawsfynydd, and well within the range that is acceptable elsewhere.

The Dwyfor Meirionnyd Constituency Labour Party forwarded two options for the proposal that Talsarnau should be included in a new two-member Penrhyndeudraeth division. The first option would be combining Harlech with Llanfair, with a projected 2014 electorate of 1,409. Combining Llanbedr with Dyffryn Ardudwy would create a projected 2014 electorate of 1,683. A projected electorate of 1,683 is less than that proposed for the neighbouring electoral division

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of Abermaw and would be a 27% variance from the county average. The second option would be the creation of a new two-member electoral division for Ardudwy Coastal, covering the contiguous areas of Harlech, Llanfair, Llanbedr and Dyffryn Ardudwy. This would have a projected 2014 electorate of 3,109. The resultant 2014 ratio of 1,555 is a 16% variance from the county average. They made no preference between these two options.

They requested we reconsider the electoral arrangements for Penrhyndeudraeth Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech and Llanbedr.

42. Gwynedd County Labour Party wrote with the following observations:

• Clynnog and Llanllyfni – unless drastic reorganisation were to take place within Dyffryn Nantlle to look at the whole area, it is difficult to come up with reasonable counter proposals. The joining up of Clynnog and Llanllyfni should not be a permanent solution; the proposal only justified the number game, with no bearing at all on the geographic area. They had no alternative suggestion that would satisfy the numbers of electors required to meet the target. They ask that the Commission considers joining Nantlle ward with Talysarn ward, stating this would make common sense as the two areas are practically linked together as a land mass. • Bangor Area – they ask that the Commission reconsiders and amalgamates the following: join Hirael and Deiniol so that the centre of the city would be covered by one ward. The old A5 road provides a clear natural boundary between Garth and Menai, and Hirael and Deiniol. The railway bridges also provide a natural boundary between Hirael and Deiniol and the Hendre ward. These wards could then be easily recognisable. • Hirael - the Gwynedd County Labour Party considered the number of electors quoted in the Draft Report for the Hirael ward, which at the last General Election was found to have a high number of terraced and ex- Council houses that are being let to students, with up to three and four students per dwelling, was on the “low side”. • Deiniol – they state that this area has a very high student population, and that students at two private student accommodations, namely the Old British Hotel (now called Neuadd Wilis) and a very large accommodation that has been built on the old Plaza cinema site (also called Neuadd Willis), which has between 400 and 500 students, were not included on the 2009 Electoral Register. They add there are plans to build further student accommodation on the Farrar Road development, but nothing has happened with this development to date. • Hirael and Deiniol – the Gwynedd County Labour Party state that were these wards amalgamated to form one division, this would lead to the Garth and Menai wards being amalgamated. • Menai – they assert that the number of electors in the Menai ward (1,585) is incorrect. At the last General Election in May 2010, using the December 2009 details, the electoral figures on that register was (2,508), which is near the projected figure. If Garth and Menai wards were to be amalgamated, it might be possible to have natural boundaries that could easily be recognisable. By combining Garth and Menai, and using existing December 2009 electoral lists as guidance (Garth 650, Menai 2,508), this would make a total for the two wards of 3,158, and as Menai is a two-member division this could be within the rules.

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• Hendre, Glyder, Dewi and Pentir – The Gwynedd County Labour Party used the December 2009 registers as guidance: Hendre (864); Glyder (1,414); Dewi (1,249); and, Pentir. Pentir ward has three distinct parts, Pentir Faenol Bangor U1A (1,231), Pentir U1B (327) and Pentir Glasinfryn U1C (120). They state that adding the Hendre (864), Glyder (1,414), Dewi (1,249) and Pentir Faenol (U1A) (1,231) wards would result in a total for the Bangor area of 4,718 approximately. This would mean that Hendre, Glyder, Dewi and Pentir (Bangor) wards add up to approximately 4,718 electors which, if divided by three, results in three wards with approximately 1,639 electors. • They stated the problem they did not resolve was how to divide the four Bangor wards to three and what would happen to the Pentir wards of U1B (327) and U1C (120). • The Gwynedd County Labour Party welcomed a dialogue on how to divide Hirael, Glyder, Dewi and Pentir wards.

43. Gwynedd Independent Group wrote with the following comments:

• It is recommended that the Llanegryn Community Council joins Bryncrug and Llanfihangel Councils. The name of the new division, ‘Bryncrug’, has not pleased the majority; the name ‘Dysynni’ has been suggested. • Llanuwchllyn & Mawddwy – They state that the highest pass in Wales divides the new division and is closed for approximately three months of the year because of ice and snow. There is no link between the Communities of Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn. This new division creates three Community Councils for the councillor: Mawddwy; Llanuwchllyn; and, Llangywair. It would not be possible to operate effectively and not at all during the winter months. It would be better to place Bala and five Penllŷn Communities together with two councillors. Not one elector or Community Council supports the proposal that Llanuwchllyn and Mawddwy should amalgamate. • Mawddwy and Corris – They state a better road connects this division. The Mawddwy, Corris and Pennal Community has been designated a part of the Dyfi biosphere, showing that there is a close link in every respect. Mawddwy and Corris have a musical link as some people from Mawddwy attend and sing in a choir from Corris called Meibion Dyfi. Corris and Mawddwy work very effectively and both Community Councils support this. The Gwynedd Independent Group suggested that it would be more beneficial if Pennal were to be combined with Corris Mawddwy and make Tywyn and Aberdyfi one division with two councillors. • Llanengan (Abersoch and Llanengan) – The Gwynedd Independent Group declared that the proposal to combine Llanengan and Abersoch caused some concern. Combining the two divisions would mean a considerably larger division (on the basis of registered constituents as well as geographical area) but, in fact, the number of second homes in the area (approximately 45%) means much more work for the councillors. The work of dealing with planning applications alone takes a great deal of a councillor’s time in this area (mostly concerning second homes). During the summer months, because of the tourists in the area, the population swells by approximately 20,000; there are more than 50 caravan and camping parks there. Combining the divisions would mean that there would be three schools; it would not be possible for the councillor to govern three schools. They expressed concern that if the proposals were to go ahead, the work

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pressures on one councillor would increase to an unacceptable level and they would find it difficult to attract an applicant to represent the division as a result.

44. Llais Gwynedd welcomed the review, but expressed disappointment that a review of the boundaries of Gwynedd’s Community Councils did not run parallel to the proposal. Furthermore, they were of the opinion that many of the proposals are an attempt to right the wrongs of past mistakes. The reduction of members from 75 to 66 and a ratio of one member per 1,297 electors as a general benchmark were welcomed. They also welcomed the Commission’s presupposition against multi- member electoral regions but were concerned that this had not been respected and, in fact, Draft Proposals would double the multi-member elector regions in Gwynedd. Llais Gwynedd is of the opinion that this practice alienates the electors and deprives them of a sense of ownership over their council representative. They are of the opinion that multi-member electoral divisions are not sustainable, nor do they offer any savings and, therefore, objected to the creation of new multi-member divisions in Eastern Ffestiniog, Harlech, Dolgellau, Bontnewydd and Llanwnda, Llanrug and Menai / Seiont (Caernarfon). They noted that the Draft Proposals respected the Dwyfor and Meirionnydd boundary in Llanfrothen but ignored the Dwyfor and Arfon boundary between Clynnog Fawr and Llanllyfni. They consider that the Draft Proposals do not pay sufficient attention to topographic elements. An example of this is the proposal to combine the communities of Mawddwy and Llanuwchlyn, as they are separated by Bwlch y Groes, the highest pass in Wales. Also the proposal to merge with Beddgelert would create an electoral division 25 miles long.

Llais Gwynedd did not oppose the proposals for Aberdaron, Botwnnog, Tudweiliog, Abersoch, Llanengan and the City of Bangor.

For the reasons noted above, they suggested the following changes to the proposals with regard Meirionnydd:

a) The Mawddach electoral division to include the Llanelltyd (388), Arthog (847) and Ganllwyd (130) Communities, which would equal a total of 1,265. b) The Aran electoral division to include the Mawddwy (489), Brithdir and Llanfachreth (604) Communities, which would equal a total of 1,093. c) The Dysynni electoral division to include the Llangelynnin (543), Bryncrug (488), Llanegryn (254) and Llanfihangel-y-Pennant (277) Communities, which would equal a total of 1,562. d) Combine the Community of Llangywer (195) with Bala Town (1394); a total of 1,589. They suggested the name ‘Tegid’. e) Combine the Communities of Llandderfel (859), Llanycil (297) and Llanuwchllyn (537); a total of 1,693. They suggested the name ‘Penllyn Wledig’.

For the reasons noted above, Llais Gwynedd suggested the following changes to the proposal regarding the Dwyfor division:

a) Merge the Communities of Clynnog Fawr (737) with Llanaelhaearn (815); a total of 1,522. They suggested the name ‘Bro’r Eifl’.

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b) Combine the Nefyn ward of the Nefyn Community (1000) with the Community of Pistyll (410); a total of 1,401. They suggested the name ‘Nefyn and Pistyll’. c) Combine the Community of Buan (392) with the Edern (315) and Morfa Nefyn wards of the Community of Nefyn; a total of 1,033. They suggested the name ‘Madryn’. d) Combine the Community of Llanfrothen (340) with the Tremadog ward (459) and the Beddgelert Community (389); a total of 1,188. They suggested the name of ‘Tremadog and Aberglaslyn’. They consider that this would break through an area’s boundaries; however, Llais Gwynedd is of the opinion that cutting the number of electors in Penrhyndeudraeth from 1,829 to 1,489 outweighs that particular principle. e) Combine the Prenteg ward (93) with the Community of Dolbenmaen (957); a total of 1,050. f) If d & e (above) were to be accepted, consideration should be given to moving the boundary between the east and west of Porthmadog, so that the number of electors in both electoral regions would be more equal.

For the reasons noted above, Llais Gwynedd suggested the following changes to the proposal regarding the Arfon division:

a) Combine the ward of Talysarn (654) with the rest of Llanllyfni Community (853); a total of 1,507. They suggested the name ‘Dyffryn Nantlle’. b) Combine the Carmel (392) and Cesarea (236) wards of the Community of Llandwrog with the Community of Bontnewydd (852); a total of 1,480. They suggested the name ‘Bontnewydd and Carmel’ be retained. c) Keep Llanwnda electoral division as it is, with a total of 1,519.

Llais Gwynedd welcomed the rest of the Draft Proposals.

45. Plaid Cymru (Nefyn Branch) wrote concerned at the suggestion that it is possible to merge the Community of Bachellaeth, namely the village of Rhydyclafdy and the surrounding area, with Morfa Nefyn. They felt there was no close community link. As a larger unit, neither Rhydyclafdy nor Bachellaeth belong to the same Community Council as Morfa Nefyn and the children do not attend the schools of Morfa Nefyn. A Marsh forms a natural divide between Bachellaeth and Ceidio to the south which adjoins Morfa Nefyn and Edern to the north. They advised that the villages and communities to the north of the Llŷn Peninsula follow the area’s main road (B4417) through Tudweiliog, Edern, Morfa, Nefyn, Pistyll and Llithfaen. The Community of Bachellaeth belongs to the Community to the south of the Llŷn Peninsula, namely those linked to Llanbedrog, Efailnewydd and Pentreuchaf. They recommended the Commission respect the historic links that exist between the coastal communities of the north and the adjoining communities that are bound directly to them. They did not have any further comments on the suggestions regarding the Nefyn division.

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