Consultation Document:

Polling District and Polling Places Review

For the Fenland Area of North East Cambridgeshire Constituency

2020

www.fenland.gov.uk

Paul Medd Returning Officer Fenland District Council

1 Contents: Page Background...... 3 Coronavirus Pandemic…………………………………………………………………… 3 Definitions...... 4 The Review Process...... 4 Criteria for Polling Places and Polling Districts...... 4 The Role of the Returning Officer...... 5 Other representations...... 5 Summary of Consultees: ...... 5 Completion of the review ...... 6 Challenge of review ...... 6 Who may make a representation to the Electoral Commission? ...... 6 Review by the Electoral Commission ...... 6 Proposal ...... 7 Representations ...... 7 SCHEDULE OF POLLING DISTRICTS AND POLLING PLACES...... 8, 9, 10 & 11 Birch Ward...... 13 Slade Lode Ward...... 14 The Mills Ward...... 15-16 Wenneye Ward...... 17 March East Ward...... 18-19 March North Ward...... 20-21 March West Ward ...... 22-23 Benwick, Coates & Eastrea Ward...... 24-25 Bassenhally Ward ...... 26-27 Lattersey Ward...... 28 St Andrews Ward...... 29 Stonald……… ...... 30 Clarkson Ward...... 31 Octavia Hill Ward ...... 32-33 Kirkgate Ward...... 34 Medworth Ward...... 35 Peckover Ward...... 36 Staithe Ward ...... 37 Waterlees Village Ward...... 38-39 Doddington and Wimblington Ward...... 40-41 Elm & Christchurch Ward ...... 42-43 Manea Ward...... 44 Parson Drove & Wisbech St Mary Ward...... 45-46 Roman Bank Ward...... 47-48 Summary of Recommendations:...... 49 - 51

2 Background

The Representation of People Act places a duty on the Council to divide the District into polling districts and to designate polling places for each district. The Council also has a duty to keep those arrangements under review.

In compliance with the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006, every Council in England and Wales was required to undertake and complete a review of all of the polling districts and polling places in its area by 31 December 2007, which accordingly was undertaken in Fenland, and agreed by a full meeting of the Council in December, 2007.

Subsequent reviews have taken place in 2014, 2016 and 2018. The last review in 2018 was the compulsory review, which was agreed by Full Council on 13 December 2018, and was undertaken at this time due to District and Town and Parish Council elections which took place on 2 May 2019 and the results of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England Review and Community Governance Review into some warding arrangements for Whittlesey.

Although some polling districts, places and stations that lie within East Cambridgeshire District Council area fall within the North East Cambridgeshire Parliamentary constituency area, this review focuses solely on the Fenland polling districts and places.

Coronavirus Pandemic

The Coronavirus pandemic during 2020 has resulted in the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections due to take place on 7 May 2020 and all other elections during 2020 being postponed to 6 May 2021. On 6 May 2021, Fenland will have to administer not only the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, but also Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority elections, together with any By-Elections that have arisen during the time that elections have been unable to be held.

The pandemic has brought about a number of issues that need to be considered as it is not known what the circumstances will be regarding Coronavirus in May 2021. It is envisaged that there will still need to be some form of social distancing measures in polling stations, cleaning of polling booths between electors casting their votes, clear Covid-19 signage, designated way in and out, hand sanitizing stations as well as the need to manage the flow of electors through polling stations..

The current Electoral Commission guidance is that no more than 2,500 electors should be allocated to one polling station. However, to provide reassurance to local electors that the Council remains committed to enabling residents to be able to cast their vote in person at a polling station in a manner that is Covid secure, we have looked to reduce the number of electors allocated to each polling station. To undertake this, 75% of the number of in person electors has been calculated and 33% of potential new electors in empty or new properties added to this figure to identify polling district wards which need splitting so that less than 1,500 electors visit a polling station. This has resulted in 2 current polling district wards being spilt into two.

We are also considering the potential for additional staff to manage the flow of electors through polling stations where the numbers visiting the polling station would be over 1,000. This could potentially result in 30 extra staff to support the elections in 2021. We will be undertaking a two part recruitment process to ensure that we have sufficient staff to resource the polling stations in May 2021. The first phase will commence now and depending upon the responses, a second phase will be undertaken in the New Year.

3 Where new or alternative polling stations have been identified, these will need to contacted to see if they are willing for us to use their premises as a polling station and a visit will need to be undertaken to see if the premises meets the required needs for a polling station.

The review will also allow some amendments to current polling stations in Polling Districts wards to reflect polling stations that have been used successfully in recent elections, but are not currently the main or the alternative polling station. The wards of DA1, DA2 and DAB, EB1 and EB2 and RB1 and RB2 have also been redrawn to provide a similar number of in person electors who would attend each polling station within these wards and to attempt to provide the elector with a polling station, as far as possible, nearest to the locality that they reside in.

Definitions a) Parliamentary Constituency The area designated by the Boundary Commission having separate representation in the House of Commons. This cannot be changed by the review. The division of the constituency into polling districts and places is the subject of the review. b) Polling Districts The area created by the separation of a ward, division or constituency into smaller parts, within which a polling place can be determined which is convenient to the electors. c) Polling Places The building or area in which polling stations will be selected by the Returning Officer. d) Polling Station The actual area where the process of voting takes place. This must be located within the polling place and designated for the particular polling district. This function is the responsibility of the Returning Officer.

The Review Process The Council is required to publish notice of the holding of a review. This has been carried out by way of a notice posted at Fenland District Council Offices and on the Council’s website.

The timetable for the review is set out below: Publication of notice and consultation document 19 October 2020 Closing date for representations 13 November 2020 Consideration of all representations 16 to 20 November 2020 Returning Officer approves final scheme 24 November 2020 Presentation at full Council 14 December 2020 Register of Electors published in accordance with the 4 January 2021 new scheme

Criteria for Polling Places and Polling Districts There are a number of factors to take into account when considering polling districts and polling places. Guidance from the Electoral Commission lists the following key considerations:

With regard to polling district boundaries: Boundaries: Are they well defined? For example, do they follow the natural boundaries of the area? If not, is it clear which properties belong in the polling district? Location: Are there suitable transport links within the polling district, and how do they relate to the areas of the district that are most highly populated? Are there any obstacles to voters crossing the current polling district and reaching the polling place e.g., steep hills, impassable major roads, railway lines, rivers?

With regard to polling places: The location: Is it reasonably accessible within the polling district? Does it avoid barriers for the voter such as steep hills, major roads, rivers, etc.? Are there any convenient transport links? 4 Size: Can it accommodate more than one polling station if required? If multiple polling stations are required, is the polling place ample enough to accommodate all voters going into and out of the polling stations, even where there is a high turnout? Suitability: Is the building readily available in the event of any unscheduled elections? Is there any possibility that the building may be demolished as part of a new development?  Accessibility: Is the building accessible to all those entitled to attend the polling place?

The Electoral Commission also supplies a number of templates to use to assess the suitability of polling place facilities.

The Electoral Commission further advises that location, size and layout of any polling place/station must be a key consideration when deciding on the number of electors to be allocated to a polling station.

Inevitably there will be an element of compromise between the different factors involved, and indeed the Electoral Commission acknowledges this as follows: “In practice, however, the choice of polling places will often be a balance between the quality of a building (access, facilities, etc.) and the proximity of the building to the electors. When making a decision, all factors will need to be considered and the authority will need to be able to demonstrate their reasoning behind the decision.”

Polling Station Inspectors also assess the suitability of the polling stations currently used and identify any alternative premises that could be used within the vicinity as part of this review.

The Role of the Returning Officer The Council is required to consult the (Acting) Returning Officer for every Parliamentary constituency that is wholly or partly within its area. This means that the Returning Officer for the District of Fenland must consult the Returning Officer for East Cambs District Council in respect of the Wards within the East Cambridgeshire District Council area that lie within the Parliamentary constituency of North East Cambridgeshire. The Council also need to consult with the Returning Officer of Cambridgeshire County Council as it is responsible for conducting elections in the Fenland area on behalf of the County Council.

Other representations In reviewing polling districts and polling places, the Council is required actively to seek representations from such persons as it thinks have particular expertise in relation to:

Access to premises; or Facilities for persons who have different forms of disability. Such persons must be given the opportunity to make representations and to comment on the representations made by the Returning Officer.

The Council will also notify all local political parties or groups, election agents, ward councillors, etc. of the review.

Summary of Consultees: The Returning Officer(s) for East Cambs District Council & Cambridgeshire County Council The Member of Parliament Members of Fenland District Council Members of Cambridgeshire County Council representing the Fenland area All the Clerks for Town / Parish Councils in the Fenland area Camsight, The Varrier-Jones Foundation, Age UK, Fenland Association for Community Transport Ltd, Fenland Area Community Enterprise Trust, Caerus Care Ltd, Papworth Trust, Wisbech St Raphael Club & Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust Candidates and Election Agents who acted at the 2019 District elections 5 Polling places within the Fenland area In addition, any elector in the constituency may make representations on the designation of polling places to the Council.

Completion of the review On completion of a review, the Council is required to give reasons for its decisions in respect of the designation of both polling districts and polling places.

In addition, the Council must publish: all correspondence sent to the Returning Officer in connection with the review and all correspondence sent to any person who the Council thinks has particular expertise in relation to access to premises or facilities for persons who have different forms of disability; all representations made by any person in connection with the review; the minutes of any meetings held by the Council where details of the review have been considered; details of the actual designations of polling districts and polling places agreed as a result of the review; and details of where the results of the review have been published. The Council will publish results of the review on their website.

Challenge of review Although the Electoral Commission has no initial role in the review process itself, it does have an important role in respect of considering representations and observations made that a Council has not conducted a review so as to: meet the reasonable requirements of the electors in the constituency, or a body of them (i.e the reasonable requirements of a particular area of the authority have not been satisfactorily met); or take sufficient account of the accessibility to disabled persons of polling stations within a designated polling place.

Who may make a representation to the Electoral Commission? Section 18D (1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983, sets out who may make representations to the Electoral Commission namely; thirty or more registered electors in the constituency any person who made representations to the Council when the review was being undertaken (except the Returning Officer) any person who is not an elector within the constituency who the Electoral Commission feels has sufficient interest in the accessibility of disabled persons to polling places within the area or has particular expertise in relation to the access to premises or facilities of disabled persons; any parish council which is wholly or partly situated within the constituency or parish meeting where there is no council. Also the Returning Officer may make observations on any representations made to the Commission.

Review by the Electoral Commission The Electoral Commission is required to consider any such representations and observations and may direct the relevant council to make any alterations it sees necessary to the polling places designated by the review. Should a Council fail to make the alterations within two months of the direction being given, the Commission may make the alterations itself.

6 Proposal The publication of the consultation document contains details of current polling district and polling places for each of the 24 wards within the District of Fenland, along with the details of any proposed changes.

Representations Any persons wishing to make comments or representations regarding the proposals may do so.

Any representations you wish to make should be received by 4:45pm on Friday, 13 November 2020.

All representations should be sent to: The Polling Districts and Polling Places Review Electoral Services Fenland District Council Fenland Hall County Road March PE15 8NQ

If you prefer you can email your representations to [email protected].

For any queries, please telephone 01354 622323.

All representations will be published on the Council’s website as soon as possible after receipt. Even if you have already commented on the proposals, you may make further submissions in response to views and comments you see on the website.

The final decision will be taken by Council on 14 December 2020.

The new Register of Electors containing any revised polling districts will be published on 4 January 2021. Any new polling districts and polling places will become effective at all elections held after this date.

7 FENLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL CURRENT SCHEDULE OF POLLING DISTRICTS AND PLACES

WARD POLLING TOWN / POLLING PLACE DISTRICT VILLAGE LETTER

BIRCH AA Birch, Chatteris Library, Furrowfields Road Chatteris Or if that polling place is unavailable King Edward Centre, Railway Lane SLADE LODE AB Slade Lode, Quaker Way Residents Community Room Chatteris Or if that polling place is unavailable King Edward Centre, Railway Lane THE MILLS AC Chatteris The Masonic Hall, Huntingdon Road Or if that polling place is unavailable King Edward Centre, Railway Lane WENNEYE AD Chatteris Emmanuel Church Hall, East Park Street Or if that polling place is unavailable King Edward Centre, Railway Lane MARCH EAST BA1 March Roman Catholic Church Hall, St Johns Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Mill View Scout Hut, Mill View BA2 March Fleming Court off Smiths Drive Or if that polling place is unavailable First March Scout Hall, Badgeney Road BA3 March March and District Children’s Centre, Cavalry Drive BA4 March Or if that polling place is unavailable Cavalry School, Cavalry Drive BA5 March St Peters Church Room, High Street Or if that polling place is unavailable Kingdom Hall, Bevills Place MARCH BB1 March March Youth & Community Centre, Station Road NORTH Or if that polling place is unavailable St Johns Church Hall, Station Road BB2 March St Johns Church Hall, Station Road Or if that polling place is unavailable March Youth and Community Centre, Station Road BB3 March The GER, Robingoodfellows Lane Or if that polling place is unavailable March Town Football Clubhouse, Robingoodfellows Lane BB4 March St Marys Church Hall, Wisbech Road, Westry Or if that polling place is unavailable GER, Robingoodfellows Lane MARCH WEST BC1 March Rookswood Club, West End Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station in the polling district BC2 March March Cricket Club, Burrowmoor Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Burrowmoor Primary School, Burrowmoor Road BC3 March St Wendredas Church Hall, Church Street Or if that polling place is unavailable The Seven Stars PH, The Avenue BC4 March St Marys Church Hall, Wisbech Road, Westry Or if that polling place is unavailable March Town Cricket Club, Burrowmoor Road8

WARD POLLING TOWN / POLLING PLACE DISTRICT VILLAGE LETTER

BENWICK, CA Benwick Benwick Village Hall, High Street COATES & Or if that polling place is unavailable Benwick EASTREA Primary School, High Street DE Coates Coates Public Hall, 1 The Fold Or if that polling place is unavailable Coates Primary School, The Fold DF Eastrea Eastrea Centre, Roman Gardens Or if that polling place is unavailable The Nags Head PH, Eastrea Road DG Pondersbridge Pondersbridge Village Hall, Oilmills Road Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station in the polling district DH Turves The Three Horseshoes Inn, March Road Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station in the polling district DI Kings Delph St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Park Lane Primary School, Park Lane BASSENHALLY DA1 Bassenhally, Straw Bear PH, Drybread Road Whittlesey Or if that polling place is unavailable Adlerman Jacobs Primary School, Drybread Road DA2 Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street Or if that polling place is unavailable Whittlesey Town Council Offices, Queen Street DA3 Whittlesey Town Council Offices, Queen Street Or if that polling place is unavailable Whittlesey Library, Market Street LATTERSEY DB Lattersey Quinion Close Whittlesey Or if that polling place is unavailable New Road Primary School, New Road ST ANDREWS DC1 St Andrews & St Marys North, St Andrews Parish Hall, Parkinson Lane Whittlesey Or if that polling place is unavailable Whittlesey Library, DC2 St Marys Market Street South, Whittlesey STONALD DD Stonald St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road Whittlesey Or if that polling place is unavailable Park Lane Primary School, Park Lane CLARKSON EA Wisbech Robert Hall Centre, Lynn Road Or if that polling place is unavailable The Boathouse, Harbour Square OCTAVIA HILL EB1 Wisbech College of West Anglia Isle Campus, Ramnoth Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Rosmini Centre, Queens Road EB2 Wisbech Awdry House, Ramnoth Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Thomas Clarkson Academy, Corporation Road KIRKGATE EC Wisbech Walsoken Village Hall, Kirkgate Street Or if that polling place is unavailable The Black Bear PH, Old Lynn Road 9

WARD POLLING TOWN / POLLING PLACE DISTRICT VILLAGE LETTER

MEDWORTH ED Wisbech Wisbech St Raphael Disabled Club, Love Lane Or if that polling place is unavailable Queen Mary Centre, Queens Road PECKOVER EE Wisbech Wisbech Rugby Football Club, Chapel Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Peckover Primary School, Leverington Road STAITHE EF Wisbech Meadowgate Academy, Meadowgate Lane Or if the polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station in the polling district WATERLEES EG1 Wisbech The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue VILLAGE EG2 Wisbech Or if that polling place is unavailable Orchards Primary School, Cherry Road DODDINGTON & FA Doddington Doddington Village Hall, Benwick Road WIMBLINGTON Or if that polling place is unavailable Doddington Primary School, High Street KA Wimblington Wimblington Parish Hall, Addison Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Parkfield Sports Centre, Chapel Lane KB Stonea The Golden Lion Public House, Sixteen Foot Bank Or if that polling place is unavailable Skylark Centre, Manea Road ELM & GA Friday Bridge Fridaybridge Tower Hall, Maltmas Road CHRISTCHURCH Or if that polling place is unavailable Friday Bridge Primary School, Maltmas Road GB Elm Elm Centre, Main Road Or if that polling station is unavailable Elm Primary School, Main Road GC Coldham Mobile Polling Station at Coldham Playing Field, Station Road Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station in the polling district GD Rings End The Oliver Twist, High Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Guyhirn Primary School, High Road GE Christchurch Christchurch Community Centre, Upwell Road Or if the polling place is unavailable Townley Primary School, Crown Road MANEA HA Manea Manea Village Hall, School Lane Or if that polling place is unavailable Manea Primary School, Station Road

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WARD POLLING TOWN / POLLING PLACE DISTRICT VILLAGE LETTER

PARSON PA Parson Drove Parson Drove Village Hall, Main Road DROVE & Or if that polling place is unavailable Alderman WISBECH ST Payne Primary School, Main Road MARY PB Wisbech St Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre, Mary Beechings Close Or if that polling place is unavailable Wisbech St Mary Academy, Church Road PC Murrow Murrow Village Hall, Murrow Bank Or if that polling place is unavailable The Bell Inn, Murrow Bank PD Guyhirn The Oliver Twist, High Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Guyhirn Primary School, High Road PE Thorney Toll Thorney Toll Village Hall, Main Road Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station in the polling district ROMAN BANK RA Gorefield Gorefield Community Hall, Wolf Lane Or if that polling place is unavailable Gorefield Village Hall, Gote Lane RB1 Leverington Leverington Village Hall, Gorefield Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Leverington Sports and Social Club, Church Road RB2 Leverington Leverington Sports and Social Club, Church Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Leverington Village Hall, Gorefield Road RC Newton Newton Village Hall, Church Lane Or if that polling place is unavailable St James Church, Church Lane RD Tydd St Giles Tydd St Giles Community Centre, Broad Drove East Or if that polling place is unavailable Kinderley Primary School, Church Lane

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Existing Polling District, Polling Places and Polling Stations and the Returning Officer’s Proposals

NB: The Electorate Figures listed below show the position as at 1 October 2020

(Please note that the Current Electorate in the tables for each of the polling districts contains both in person electors and postal voter figures. A formula, as shown on page 3, has been applied to the in person figures, which has led to identifying stations with more than 1,500 in person electors attending and splitting of the district, and identifying stations with more than 1,000 in person electors attending and the proposal for additional staff to help manage the flow of electors through the polling station)

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Birch Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  AA - 1 property  AA – 87 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District AV* Access? Current 2023

Estimate Chatteris Library, Furrowfields Road Chatteris Library, Furrowfields Road Yes Or if polling place is unavailable King Edward Or if polling place is unavailable Chatteris AA 2294 2308 382 Centre, King Edward Road Town Council Offices or any within the Polling District

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling station for this polling district would be Chatteris Library, Furrowfields Road, Chatteris, with the alternative to be Chatteris Town Council offices in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with either of these polling stations within these polling districts, which have previously been used successfully in the past.

I consider that the polling district and place for this Birch to be appropriate, but the alternative polling place be changed to Chatteris Town Council Offices, Church Lane. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

13 Slade Lode Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  AB – 14 properties  AB – 168 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District AV Access? Current 2023

Estimate Quaker Way Residents Community Room Quaker Way Residents Community Room Yes Or if the polling place is unavailable King Or if the polling place is unavailable Edward Community Centre, King Edward Chatteris Children’s Centre, Larham Way if AB 2055 2362 259 Road acceptable or King Edward Community Centre, King Edward Road or any other within the polling district

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling place for this polling district would be Quaker Way Residents Community Room, Chatteris, with the alternative to be either Chatteris Children’s Centre, Larham Way, if it is acceptable to use as a polling station, in the first instance or King Edward Community Centre, King Edward Road (although outside the polling district) or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Quaker Way Residents Community Room, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at Chatteris Children’s Centre, Larham Way to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station. If the Children’s Centre is not suitable then the alternative will be the King Edward Community Centre, King Edward Road, which has been used successfully in the past.

I consider that the polling district and place for Slade Lode to be appropriate, but the alternative polling place be changed to Chatteris Children’s Centre, Larham Way if acceptable or King Edward Community Centre, King Edward Road. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

14 The Mills Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One Two  AC1 - 6 properties  AC1 – 100 Number of Polling Places One Two  AC2 – 47

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Station Disabled District Current 2023 AV* Access? Estimate AC1 1176 The Masonic Hall, Huntingdon Road The Masonic Hall, Huntingdon Road Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Or if that polling place is unavailable either The King Edward Centre, Railway Lane Sportsman PH, Fairway or Chatteris Town Football Club, West Street, if either are acceptable to be used as a polling station or any within the polling district AC2 1068 The Masonic Hall, Huntingdon Road 2357 297 Or if that polling place is unavailable Chatteris Town Football Club, West Street, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station or any within the polling district For the Elections in 2021, the polling place to be either Chatteris Town Football Club Pavilion, West Street, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that this polling district be spilt into two, AC1 and AC2, with the polling place being in normal circumstances be The Masonic Hall, Huntingdon Road, Chatteris, with the alternative to be Chatteris Town Football Club Pavilion, West Street, if it is acceptable to use as a polling station, in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

For the Elections in 2021, the polling places would be:

 AC1 - The Masonic Hall, Huntingdon Road  AC2 – Chatteris Town Football Club, West Street

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with The Masonic Hall, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at Chatteris Town Football Club, West Street to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station. 15

I consider that the polling district for The Mills should be spilt into two, AC1 and AC2, to provide reassurance in relation to Covid-19 measures. The polling place for both areas in normal circumstances to be The Masonic Hall, Huntingdon Road, but to enable Covid- 19 measures to be implemented for the Elections in 2021 the polling place for AC1 be The Masonic Hall, Huntingdon Road, and AC2 be Chatteris Town Football Club Pavilion, West Street, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station.

16 Wenneye Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Two One  AD - 3 properties  AD – 105 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023Estimate AV Access?

Emmanuel Church Hall, East Park Street No Change, but addition of any other Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable King within the polling district AD 1762 2184 253 Edward Centre, Railway Lane Yes

Returning Officer’s Representations There are no proposed changes to this polling district or polling place. However, an extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with polling stations for this polling district.

I consider that the polling district and polling place for Wenneye to be appropriate. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

17 March East Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Five Five  BA1 – 2 properties  BA1 – 150 Number of Polling Places Four Four  BA2 – 5 properties  BA2 – 95  BA3 – 2 properties  BA3 – 32  BA5 – 7 properties  BA4 - 14  BA5 - 125

Polling Electorate No Normal Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Station Disabled District 2023 of Access? Current Estimate AV Roman Catholic Church Hall, St Johns Road No Change, but addition of any other Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Mill View Scout within the polling district BA1 1416 1883 267 Hut, Mill View

Fleming Court off Smiths Drive No Change, but another alternative Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable First March could be United Services Club, New BA2 1708 1848 229 Scout Hall, Badgeney Road Road if acceptable to be used as a polling station or any other within the polling district BA3 654 689 130 March and District Children’s Centre, Cavalry Drive No Change, but addition of any other Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Cavalry School, within the polling district BA4 432 441 102 Cavalry Drive St Peters Church Room, High Street No Change, but alternative to be St Yes BA5 1342 1470 269 Or if that polling place is unavailable Kingdom Hall, Peters Church, High Street or any Bevills Place other within the polling district

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling places for all of these polling districts remain unchanged. However, the alternative polling place for BA2 be either First March Scout Hall, Badgeney Road or United Services Club, New Road, if either are acceptable for use as a polling station, in the first instance, or any within the polling district and the alternative polling place for BA5 to be changed to St Peters Church, High Street, in the first instance or any within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in polling districts BA1 and BA2.

18 There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with the normal polling places for BA1-BA5. However, contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at First March Scout Hall, Badgeney Road and United Services Club, New Road to see if these are acceptable to use as a polling station. Mill View Scout Hall has been used as polling station in the past so it is known to be suitable in term of accessibility and facilities.

I consider that the all polling districts and places for March East to be appropriate, with the alternative polling place for BA2 to be either First March Scout Hall, Badgeney Road or United Services Club, New Road, if either are acceptable to use as a polling station, and the alternative polling place for BA5 to be St Peters Church, High Street. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling stations for BA1 and BA2 for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

19 March North Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Development*s? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Four Four  BB1 - 19 properties  BB1 – 112 Number of Polling Places Four Four  BB2 – 5 properties  BB2 – 99  BB3 – 9 properties  BB3 – 108  BB4 – 5 properties  BB4 - 18

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023 AV Access? Estimate March Youth & Community Centre, Station No Change, but change to alternative polling Yes Road station to read: Or if that polling place is unavailable St Or if that polling place is unavailable Mobile BB1 1713 1914 277 Johns Church Hall, Station Road Polling Station at March Youth and Community Centre, Station Road or any other within the polling district St Johns Church Hall, Station Road No Change, but change to alternative polling Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable station, if acceptable, to read BB2 1765 2089 302 March Youth and Community Centre, Or if that polling place is unavailable Estover Station Road Playing Field Pavilion, Estover Road or any other within the polling district The GER, Robingoodfellows Lane No Change, but addition of any other within Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable polling district BB3 1875 2149 307 March Town Football Clubhouse, Robingoodfellows Lane St Marys Church Hall, Wisbech Road, No Change, but addition of any other within Yes Westry polling district BB4 203 295 49 Or if that polling place is unavailable GER, Robingoodfellows Lane

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that all the polling places for these polling districts remain unchanged. However, the alternative polling place for BB1 to be a mobile polling station at March Youth and Community Centre, Station Road in the first instance, or any other within the polling district, and the alternative polling place for BB2 be Estover Playing Field Pavilion, Estover Road, if acceptable to be used as a polling station, in the first instance, or any other within the polling district.

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An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in polling districts BB1, BB2 and BB3.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with the normal polling places for BB1-BB4. However, contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at Estover Playing Field Pavilion, Estover Road and March Town Football Clubhouse, Robingoodfellows Lane and to see if these are acceptable to use as polling stations.

I consider that the all polling districts and places for March North to be appropriate, with the alternative polling place for BB1 to be Estover Playing Field Pavilion, Estover Road, if acceptable to be used as a polling station, and for BB3 to be March Town Football Clubhouse, Robingoodfellows Lane, if acceptable to be used as a polling station. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling stations BB1, BB2 and BB3 for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

21 March West Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Four Four  BC1 –25 properties  BC1 – 110 Number of Polling Places Four Four  BC2 – 88 properties  BC2 – 114  BC4 – 2 properties  BC3 – 77  BC4 - 22

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023 AV Access? Estimate Rookswood Club, West End No Change, but addition of any within Yes BC1 1487 1574 272 Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile the polling district polling station in the polling district March Cricket Club, Burrowmoor Road No Change, but a change to the Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable alternative polling place, if acceptable, Burrowmoor Primary School, Burrowmoor to read: BC2 2106 2188 365 Road Or if that polling place is unavailable March Library, City Road or Providence Baptist Church Hall, Burrowmoor Road, or any within the polling district St Wendredas Church Hall, Church Street No Change, but a change to the Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable The alternative polling place, if acceptable, Seven Stars PH, The Avenue to read: Or if that polling place is unavailable St BC3 1923 2026 339 Wendreda’s Church, Church Street or Neale Wade Academy or any within the polling district

St Marys Church Hall, Wisbech Road, Westry No Change, but addition of any within Yes BC4 260 261 66 Or if that polling place is unavailable March the polling district Town Cricket Club, Burrowmoor Road

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that all the polling places for these polling districts remain unchanged. However, the alternative polling station for BC2 to be either March Library, City Road or Providence Baptist Church Hall, Burrowmoor Road, if either are acceptable to use as a polling station, in the first

22 instance or any other within the polling district, and the alternative to the polling station for BC3 to be either St Wendreda’s Church, Church Street or Neale Wade Academy, if either are acceptable to use as a polling station, in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in polling districts BC1, BC2 and BC3.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with the normal polling places for BC1-BC4. However, contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at March Library, City Road, Providence Baptist Church Hall, Burrowmoor Road, St Wendreda’s Church, Church Street and Neale Wade Academy, Wimblington Road to see if these are acceptable to use as polling stations.

I consider that the all polling districts and places for March West to be appropriate, with the alternative polling place for BC2 to be either March Library, City Road or Providence Baptist Church Hall, Burrowmoor Road, if acceptable to be used as polling stations, and for BC3 to be either St Wendreda’s Church, Church Street or Neale Wade Academy, if acceptable to be used as polling stations. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling stations BC1, BC2 and BC3 for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

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23 Benwick, Coates & Eastrea Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Six Six  CA – 3 properties  CA – 47 Number of Polling Places Six Six  DE – 11 properties  DE – 53  DF – 5 properties  DF – 31  DH – 12 properties  DG – 21  DI – 1 property  DH – 29  DI – 9

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023 AV Access? Estimate Benwick Village Hall, High Street No Change, but addition of any other Yes CA 852 878 107 Or if that polling place is unavailable Benwick within polling district Primary School, High Street Coates Public Hall, 1 The Fold No Change, but addition of any other Yes DE 1118 1118 146 Or if that polling place is unavailable Coates within polling district Primary School, The Fold Eastrea Centre, Roman Gardens No Change, but addition of any other Yes DF 759 801 127 Or if that polling place is unavailable The within polling district Nags Head PH, Eastrea Road Pondersbridge Village Hall, Oilmills Road No Change, but addition of any other Yes DG 306 304 61 Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile within polling district polling station in the polling district The Three Horseshoes Inn, March Road No Change, but addition of any other Yes DH 465 491 71 Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile within polling district polling station in the polling district St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road No Change, but change to alternative Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Park polling place to read: Lane Primary School, Park Lane Or if that polling place is unavailable DI 105 116 5 a mobile polling station at St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road or any within the polling district

24 Returning Officer’s Representations There are no proposed changes to these polling districts or polling places. However, the alternative polling place for DI to be a mobile polling station at St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road, in the first instance, or any within the polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with polling places for these polling districts.

I consider that all the polling districts and polling places for Benwick, Coates and Eastrea to be appropriate, but the alternative polling place for DI to be a mobile polling station at St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road.

25 Bassenhally Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Three Three  DA1 – 31 properties  DA1 – 149 Number of Polling Places Three Three  DA2 – 60 properties  DA2 – 77

 DA3 – 179 properties  DA3 – 91

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current** 2023 AV* Access? Estimate* Straw Bear PH, Drybread Road The Polling District has been redrawn Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable and renamed: Alderman Jacobs Primary School, Willow Court, Sorrell Avenue if it is Drybread Road suitable to use as a polling station Or if that polling station is unavailable or not suitable a mobile polling station at DA1 1387 3252 248 The Straw Bear PH, Drybread Road or any within the polling district However, for the Elections in 2021 a mobile polling station at The Straw Bear PH, Drybread Road will be used to avoid conflict with vulnerable residents at Willow Court Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street The polling district has been redrawn and Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable renamed: Whittlesey Town Council Offices, Queen Peel House, Queen Street, DA2 1442 931 196 Street Or if that polling place is unavailable a dual station at Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street or any within the polling district Whittlesey Town Council Offices, Queen The polling district has been redrawn and Yes Street renamed: Or if that polling place is unavailable Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street DA3 1331 1337 202 Whittlesey Library, Market Street Or if that polling place is unavailable Whittlesey Library, Market Street or any within the polling district *based on current and not new DA1-DA3 figures ** figures based on redrawn boundaries

26 Returning Officer’s Representations These polling districts have been completely redrawn to reflect a more even split of electors in each of the wards of the polling district and to attempt to, as far as possible, allow electors to vote in a polling place in their locality. The polling districts have also been renamed so the wards follow each other consistently, as follows:

 New DA1 – Formerly DA3  New DA2 – Formerly DA1  New DA3 – Formerly DA2

It is proposed that the polling place for DA1 would be Willow Court, Sorrell Avenue, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station, with the alternative to be a mobile polling station at the Straw Bear PH in the first instance or any other within the polling district. Due to Covid-19 there may be issues with the use of Willow Court, if it is acceptable to use as a polling station, as it is a care facility and we may not be able to use it if Covid-19 measures need to be put in place due to the conflict with vulnerable residents, therefore, it is proposed for the Elections in 2021 that a mobile polling station at the Straw Bear PH be used. There has been problems with the use of the Straw Bear PH, Drybread Road itself as the venue is open plan and there is a lack of privacy for maintaining the secrecy of the vote, it is, therefore, proposed that a mobile polling station be sited in the car park if we have to use this venue in future and we have sited a mobile polling station successfully in this location previously.

It is proposed that the polling place for DA2 would be Peel House, Queen Street, with the alternative to be a dual station at the Ivy Leaf Centre, Gracious Street in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

It is proposed that the polling place for DA3 would be Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street, with the alternative to be Whittlesey Library, Market Street in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in each of polling districts.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Peel House, Queen Street, Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street or Whittlesey Library, Market Street, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at the Willow Court, Sorrell Avenue, to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station.

I consider that the polling districts in Bassenhally should be redrawn and renamed as detailed above. The polling place for DA1 to be Willow Court, Sorrell Avenue, if acceptable to use a polling station, with the alternative being a mobile polling station at Straw Bear PH, Drybread Road, but for Elections on 2021 a mobile polling station at The Straw Bear PH be used to avoid conflict with vulnerable residents at Willow Court. The polling place for DA2 to be Peel House, Queen Street, with the alternative to be a dual station at the Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street and the polling place for DA3 to be Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street, with the alternative to be Whittlesey Library, Market Street. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling stations DA1, DA2 and DA3 for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

27 Lattersey Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  DB - 74 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District of Access? Total 2023 AV Estimate Quinion Close Residents Community Room No Change, but alternative polling place, if Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable New acceptable, to read: DB 2179 2185 341 Road Primary School, New Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Manor Leisure Centre, Station Road or any within the polling district

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling place remains unchanged, with the alternative to be a room at Manor Leisure Centre, Station Road, if it is acceptable to use as a polling station, in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in this polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Quinion Close Residents Community Room, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at Manor Leisure Centre, Station Road to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station, although it does lie just outside the polling district.

I consider that the polling district and place for Lattersey to be appropriate, but the alternative polling place to be Manor Leisure Centre, Station Road, if acceptable to be used as a polling station. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

28 St Andrews Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Two Two  DC1 – 11properties DC1 – 89 Number of Polling Places One Two  DC2 – 33 properties DC2 - 44

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District AV Access? Current 2023 Estimate St Andrews Parish Hall, Parkinson Lane No Change, but addition of any within Yes DC1 1579 1717 341 Or if that polling place is unavailable polling district Whittlesey Library, Market Street St Andrews Parish Hall, Parkinson Lane No Change, but addition of any within Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable polling district DC2 468 572 78 Whittlesey Library, Market Street However, for Elections in 2021 the polling place to be Whittlesey Library, Market Street

Returning Officer’s Representations DC1 and DC2 is currently served by a dual station at St Andrews Parish Hall, Parkinson Lane. This would continue to be the case in normal circumstances, with the alternative to be a Whittlesey Library, Market Street in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

However, for the Elections in 2021 to enable Covid-19 measures to be implemented, the polling district would be spilt into different polling places as follows:

 DC1 - St Andrews Parish Hall, Parkinson Lane  DC2 – Whittlesey Library, Market Street

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with the polling places for these polling districts as they have both been used successfully in the past.

It is proposed that the polling place for St Andrews remain unchanged in normal circumstances, but to enable Covid-19 measures to be implemented for the elections in 2021 the polling station for DC1 be St Andrews Parish Hall, Parkinson Lane, and DC2 be Whittlesey Library, Market Street..

29 Stonald

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  DD - 94 properties  DD – 86 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District 2023 of Access? Current Estimate AV

DD 2306 2649 386 St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road No Change, but alternative polling place to Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Park read: Lane Primary School, Park Lane Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station at St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road or any within the district

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling place for this polling district remains unchanged, but with the alternative to be a mobile polling station at St Johns Ambulance HQ in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in this polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road.

I consider that the polling district and place for Stonald to be appropriate, but the alternative polling place should be a mobile polling station in the car park at St Johns Ambulance, Plough Road. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

30 Clarkson Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  EA - 5 properties  EA – 278 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023 of Access? Estimate AV Robert Hall Centre, Lynn Road No Change, but addition of any within the Yes EA 1734 2588 232 Or if that polling place is unavailable The polling district Boathouse, Harbour Square

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling place for this polling district remains unchanged.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in this polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Robert Hall Centre, Lynn Road, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at The Boathouse, Harbour Square to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station.

I consider that the polling district and place for Clarkson to be appropriate. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

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31 Octavia Hill Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Two Two  EB1 – 1 property  EB1 – 157 Number of Polling Places Two Two  EB2 – 6 properties  EB2 – 147

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District of Access? Current** 2023 AV* Estimate* College of West Anglia Isle Campus, Ramnoth Polling District has been redrawn Yes Road Awdry House, Ramnoth Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Rosmini Or if that polling place is unavailable EB1 2266 2339 311 Centre, Queens Road College of West Anglia Isle Campus, Ramnoth Road or any within the polling district Awdry House, Ramnoth Road Polling District has been redrawn Or if that polling place is unavailable Thomas Rosmini Centre, Queens Road EB2 1699 2292 346 Clarkson Academy, Corporation Road Or if that polling district is unavailable Thomas Clarkson Academy, Corporation Road or any within the polling district *based on current and not new EB1 and EB2 figures ** figures based on redrawn boundaries

Returning Officer’s Representations These polling districts have been completely redrawn to reflect a more even split of electors and negate the need to use the College of West Anglia as a main polling station as whilst it has been used successfully in the past, it does not have the best facilities for staff.

It is proposed that the polling place for EB1 would be Awdry House, Ramnoth Road, with the alternative to be a College of West Anglia, Isle Campus, Ramnoth Road in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

It is proposed that the polling station for EB2 would be Rosmini Centre, Queens Road, with the alternative to be the Thomas Clarkson Academy, Corporation Road, if they are acceptable for use as polling stations.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in these polling districts.

32 There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with the Awdry House, Ramnoth Road, and the College of West Anglia, Ramnoth Road has adequate facilities, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at the Rosmini Centre, Queens Road and Thomas Clarkson Academy, Corporation Road to see if they are acceptable to use as polling stations.

I consider that the polling districts should be redrawn, with the polling place for EB1 to be Awdry House, Ramnoth Road, with the alternative to be College of West Anglia Isle Campus, Ramnoth Road and the polling place for EB2 be the Rosmini Centre, Queens Road, if acceptable to use as polling station, with the alternative to be Thomas Clarkson Academy, Corporation Road, if also acceptable to be used as a polling station. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling stations EB1 and EB2 for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

33 Kirkgate Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  EC – 23 properties  EC – 115 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District of Access? Current 2023 AV Estimate Walsoken Village Hall, Kirkgate Street No Change, but addition of any other within the EC 1890 2187 233 Or if that polling place is unavailable The polling district Yes Black Bear PH, Old Lynn Road

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling place for this polling district remains unchanged.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in this polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Walsoken Village Hall, Kirkgate Street, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at The Black Bear PH, Old Lynn Road to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station.

I consider that the polling place and district for Kirkgate to be appropriate. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

34 Medworth Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  ED – 10 properties  ED – 339 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No of Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023 AV Access? Estimate Wisbech St Raphael Disabled Club, Love Lane No Change, but addition of any within the Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Queen polling district. ED 1993 2745 324 Mary Centre, Queens Road

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling place for this polling district remains unchanged.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in this polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Wisbech St Raphael Disabled Club, Love Lane, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at Queen Mary Centre, Queens Road to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station.

I consider that the polling district and place for Medworth to be appropriate. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

35 Peckover Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  EE - 19 properties  EE – 185 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Total 2023 of Access? Estimate AV Wisbech Rugby Football Club, Chapel Wisbech Cricket and Hockey Club, Harecroft Yes - with ramp Road Road EE 1838 2596 305 Or if that polling place is unavailable Or if that polling place is unavailable Barton Peckover Primary School, Leverington Road Pavilion, Barton Road or any within the Road polling district

Returning Officer’s Representations The current polling place for EE is Wisbech Rugby Football Club on Chapel Lane. However, for recent elections due to its unavailability, we have used successfully Wisbech Cricket and Hockey Club on Harecroft Road. It is, therefore, proposed that the polling place for EE would be Wisbech Cricket and Hockey Club, Harecroft Road, with the alternative to be a room at Barton Road Pavilion in the first instance, if it is acceptable to use as a polling station, or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in this polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Wisbech Cricket Club, Harecroft Road, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at Barton Road Pavilion to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station.

I consider that the polling district for Peckover to be appropriate, but the polling place be changed to Wisbech Cricket and Hockey Club, Harecroft Road, with the alternative to be Barton Road Pavilion, Barton Road, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

36 Staithe Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  EF - 2 properties  EF – 97 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023 of Access? Estimate AV Meadowgate Academy, Meadowgate Lane No change, but addition of any within the Yes EF 1969 2723 360 Or if the polling place is unavailable a mobile polling district polling station in the polling district

Returning Officer’s Representations Since 2014, Meadowgate Academy has been used as the polling place for EF, which has raised issues due to child safety and protection issues and some electors have commented that they would prefer to vote at the old polling place for this polling district which was Walsoken Village Hall. However, The Representation of the People Act 1983 places a duty on schools, including Academies, to provide a polling station venue if the Returning Officer deems it suitable and this is the only suitable premises within the polling district that can be used as a polling station.

Both the School Hall and Café building have been used successfully as a polling station in the past. It is, therefore, proposed that the polling place for EF would remain Meadowgate Academy, Wisbech (either the School Hall or café), with the alternative to be another room/area at Meadowgate Academy or a mobile polling station in the car park in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in this polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Meadowgate Academy, Meadowgate Lane.

I consider that the polling district and place for Staithe to be appropriate. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

37 Waterlees Village Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Two Three  EG1 – 2 properties  EG1 – 110 Number of Polling Places One Three  EG2A – 73  EG2B – 75

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Polling Station if Covid-19 Measures are Disabled District Current 2023 of required Access? Estimate AV The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue Or if that polling place is unavailable Orchards Or if that polling place is unavailable Wisbech Primary School, Cherry Road Town Football Club, Lynn Road, if acceptable to be used as a polling place or any within the district EG1 1650 1768 226 For the Elections in 2021, it is proposed that Wisbech Town Football Club, Lynn Road, be used as the polling station if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station

The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Orchards Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile Primary School, Cherry Road Polling Station at The Oasis Village Centre, St EG2A 1114 Michaels Avenue or any within the polling district For the Elections in 2021 The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue 2447 284 The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station at The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue or any within the polling EG2B 1151 district For the Elections in 2021 another room or a mobile polling station at The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue *

38 Returning Officers’ Representations It is proposed that the polling place for EG1 would in normal circumstances be The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue, with the alternative to be a Wisbech Town Football Club Pavilion, Lynn Road, in the first instance, if this is acceptable to use as a polling station, or any other within the polling district. Wisbech Town Football Club, Lynn Road does lie outside the District of Fenland, but it is only just outside and closest to electors who live in EG1. However, for the Elections in 2021 it is proposed that Wisbech Town Football Club be used as the polling place as EG2 is proposed to be spilt with the Oasis Village Centre being used as one polling station and another room if it has separate access or a mobile polling station at the Oasis Village Centre being used as the other.

It is proposed that the polling place for EG2 would in normal circumstances be The Oasis Village, St Michaels Avenue, with the alternative to be another room or a mobile polling station in the car park at The Oasis Village, St Michaels Avenue, in the first instance or any other within the polling district.

However, for Elections 2021 to enable Covid-19 measures to be implemented, the polling district for EG2 would be spilt into two as follows:

 EG2A – The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue  EG2B – Another room at The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue or a mobile polling station in the car park.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in polling district EG1.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with the Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at the Wisbech Town Football Club Road, Lynn Road to see if it is acceptable to use as polling station.

I consider that the polling district and place for EG1 to be appropriate, but the polling place for the Elections 2021 be changed to Wisbech Town Football Clubhouse, Lynn Road, if acceptable to be used as a polling station, with this to be the alternative polling place for EG1. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station EG1 for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

I consider that the polling district for EG2 be spilt into two, EG2A and EG2B, to provide reassurance in relation to Covid-19 measures. The polling place for EG2A and EG2B in normal circumstances be the The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue, but to enable Covid-19 measures to be implemented the polling place for EG2A be the The Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue and EG2B be another room at The Oasis Village Centre, Ramnoth Road or a mobile polling station in the car park.

39 Doddington and Wimblington Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Three Three  FA – 31 properties  FA1 – 117 Number of Polling Places Three Three  KA – 90 properties  KA1 – 94  KB - 4

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Total 2023 of Access? Estimate AV Doddington Village Hall, Benwick Road No Change, but the alternative polling place, Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable if acceptable, to read: Doddington Primary School, High Street Or if that polling place is unavailable FA 1938 2090 276 Doddington Scout Hall, Benwick Road/The Three Tuns PH, New Street or any within the polling district Wimblington Parish Hall, Addison Road No Change, but addition of any within the Yes KA 1679 2001 223 Or if that polling place is unavailable Parkfield polling district Sports Centre, Chapel Lane The Golden Lion Public House, Sixteen Foot No Change, but addition of any within the Yes Bank polling district KB 117 122 23 Or if that polling place is unavailable Skylark Centre, Manea Road

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling place for FA would be Doddington Village Hall, Benwick Road, with the alternative to be either Doddington Scout Hall, Benwick Road or The Three Tuns PH, New Street, in the first instance, if either are acceptable to use as polling stations, or any other within the polling district. .

It is proposed that there is no change to the current polling place arrangements for KA and KB.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in polling districts FA and KA.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Doddington Village Hall, Benwick Road, Wimbington Parish Hall, Addison Road or The Golden Lion PH, Sixteen Foot Bank, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at the Doddington Scout Hall, Benwick Road, The Three Tuns PH, New Street and Parkfield Sports Centre, Chapel Lane to see if they are acceptable to use as polling stations. 40

I consider that the polling districts and places for Wimblington and Doddington to be appropriate, with the alternative polling station for FA to be either Doddington Scout Hall, Benwick Road or The Three Tuns PH, New Street, if either are acceptable to be used as polling stations. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling stations FA and KA for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

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41 Elm & Christchurch Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Five Five  GA – 3 properties  GA – 55 Number of Polling Places Five Five  GB – 75 properties  GB – 111  GC – 6 properties  GC – 7  GD – 1 property  GD – 16  GE – 3 properties  GE - 54

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023 of Access? Estimate AV Fridaybridge Tower Hall, Maltmas Road No Change, but addition of any within the Yes GA 1041 1070 141 Or if that polling place is unavailable Friday polling district Bridge Primary School, Maltmas Road Elm Centre, Main Road No Change, but alternative polling place, if Yes Or if that polling station is unavailable Elm acceptable, to read Primary School, Main Road Or if that polling place is unavailable Elm Tree GB 1769 1990 285 Inn PH, Low Road/Parish Council Offices, Begdale Road/The Sportsman PH, Main Road or any within the polling district Mobile Polling Station at Coldham Playing No Change Yes Field, Station Road GC 184 216 29 Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station in the polling district The Oliver Twist, High Road Play2Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Guyhirn Or if that polling place is unavailable The Oliver GD 128 133 20 Primary School, High Road Twist, High Road or any within the polling district Christchurch Community Centre, Upwell Road No Change, but addition of any within the Yes GE 715 732 106 Or if the polling place is unavailable Townley polling district Primary School, Crown Road

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that there are no changes to the polling places in polling districts GA, GC and GE. It is proposed that the alternative polling place for GB be either Elm Tree Inn PH, Low Road, or Parish Council Offices, Begdale Road or The Sportman PH, Main Road, if any are acceptable to be used as polling stations, in the first instance or any within the polling district. It is proposed that the polling place for Polling District GD becomes 42 Play2Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road, with the alternative to be Oliver Twist PH, High Road in the first instance or any other within the polling district. Play2Day has been used successfully for recent elections, when the Oliver Twist was unavailable, and is deemed to be a preferable location by polling station staff.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in polling district GB.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with the Fridaybridge Tower Hall, Maltmas Drove, Elm Centre, Main Road, Play2Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road or Christchurch Community Centre, Upwell Road , but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at the Elm Tree PH, Low Road; Parish Council Offices, Begdale Road or The Sportsman PH, Main Road to see if they are acceptable to use as polling stations.

I consider that the polling districts and places for GA, GB, GC and GE to be appropriate, with the alternative polling station for polling district GB to be either Elm Tree PH, Low Road/Parish Council Offices, Begdale Road/The Sportsman PH, Main Road, if any are acceptable to be used as polling stations. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station GB for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

The polling place for polling district GD be changed to Play2Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road, with the alternative to be The Oliver Twist PH, High Road.

43 Manea Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts One One  HA – 53 properties  HA1 – 128 Number of Polling Places One One

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District Current 2023 of Access? Estimate AV No change, but alternative polling place, if acceptable, to read: Manea Village Hall, School Lane Or if that polling place is unavailable Manea HA 2115 2377 327 Or if that polling place is unavailable Manea Yes British Legion, East Street or any within the Primary School, Station Road polling district

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that the polling place for this polling district remains unchanged, but the alternative to be Manea British Legion, East Street in the first instance, if it is acceptable to use as a polling station, or any other within the polling district.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in this polling district.

There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with Manea Village Hall, but contact will be made regarding the accessibility, availability and facilities at Manea British Legion, East Street to see if it is acceptable to use as a polling station.

I consider that the polling district and place to be appropriate, but the alternative polling place be changed to Manea British Legion, East Street, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

44 Parson Drove & Wisbech St Mary Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Five Five  PA – 6 properties  PA – 67 Number of Polling Places Five Five  PB – 83 properties  PB – 100  PD – 10 properties  PC – 51  PD – 43  PE – 9 Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District of Access? Current 2023 AV Estimate Parson Drove Village Hall, Main Road No Change, but addition of any within the Yes PA 1139 1174 157 Or if that polling place is unavailable Alderman polling district Payne Primary School, Main Road Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community No Change, but addition of any within the Yes Centre, Beechings Close polling district PB 1359 1520 208 Or if that polling place is unavailable Wisbech St Mary Academy, Church Road Murrow Village Hall, Murrow Bank No Change, but addition of any within the Yes PC 857 907 146 Or if that polling place is unavailable The Bell polling district Inn, Murrow Bank The Oliver Twist, High Road Play2Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road Yes Or if that polling place is unavailable Guyhirn Or if that polling place is unavailable The PD 722 769 132 Primary School, High Road Oliver Twist, High Road or any within the polling district Thorney Toll Village Hall, Main Road No Change Yes PE 85 89 18 Or if that polling place is unavailable a mobile polling station in the polling district

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that there are no changes to polling places in polling districts PA, PB, PC and PE. It is proposed that the polling place for Polling District PD becomes Play 2 Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road, with the alternative to be Oliver Twist PH, High Road in the first instance or any other within the polling district. Play2Day has been used successfully for recent elections, when the Oliver Twist was unavailable, and is deemed to be a preferable location by polling station staff.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in polling district PB.

45 There are no known issues in terms of accessibility, availability and facilities with any of the polling stations within these polling districts.

I consider the polling district and polling place for PA, PB, PC and PE to be appropriate. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling station PB for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

I consider that the polling place for polling district PD be changed to Play2Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road, with the alternative to be The Oliver Twist PH, High Road.

46 Roman Bank Ward

Normally Proposed Notes Planned Developments? Empty properties in system Number of Polling Districts Five Five  RA – 6 properties  RA – 59 Number of Polling Places Five Five  RB1 – 5 properties  RB1 – 77  RB2 – 4 properties  RB2 – 91  RC – 4 properties  RC – 38  RD – 7 properties  RD – 44

Polling Electorate No Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Disabled District of Access? Current 2023 AV Estimate Gorefield Community Hall, Wolf Lane No Change, but addition of any within Yes RA 1043 1078 178 Or if that polling place is unavailable Gorefield the polling district Village Hall, Gote Lane Leverington Village Hall, Gorefield Road Polling District redrawn. Yes RB1 1336** 1823* 283* Or if that polling place is unavailable Leverington No Change, but addition of any within Sports and Social Club, Church Road the polling district. Leverington Sports and Social Club, Church Road Polling District redrawn Yes RB2 1433** 1221* 241* Or if that polling place is unavailable Leverington No Change, but addition of any within the Village Hall, Gorefield Road polling district. Newton Village Hall, Church Lane No Change, but addition of any within Yes RC 618 644 91 Or if that polling place is unavailable St James the polling district. Church, Church Lane Tydd St Giles Community Centre, Broad Drove East No Change, but addition of any within Yes RD 991 1074 215 Or if that polling place is unavailable Kinderley the polling district Primary School, Church Lane *based on current RB1 and RB2 figures ** figures based on redrawn boundaries

Returning Officer’s Representations It is proposed that there are no changes to the polling places in polling districts RA, RC and RD. Polling Districts RB1 and RB2 have been redrawn to provide a more evenly spilt number of electors in each area, but the polling places remain unchanged.

An extra member of staff may be required to assist with the elections in May 2021 in polling districts RB1 and RB2.

There are no known issues relating to the current polling places, which have good availability, accessibility and facilities. 47 I consider the polling district and polling place in Roman Bank to be appropriate, subject to the redrawing of polling district RB1 and RB2 to provide a more evenly spilt number of electors in each area. I recommend that an additional member of staff be placed at the polling stations RB1 and RB2 for the elections in May 2021 to assist with Covid-19 measures, should this be required.

48 Summary of Recommendations

It is recommended that no change be made to the existing polling districts and polling places for the following wards:

Wenneye March East (BA1, BA3, BA4 and BA5) March North (BB3 and BB4) March West (BC1 and BC4) Clarkson Kirkgate Medworth Staithe Doddington and Wimblington (KA and KB) Elm and Christchurch (GA, GC and GE) Parson Drove and Wisbech St Mary (PA, PB, PC and PE) Roman Bank (RA, RC and RD)

49 It is recommended that changes be made to the polling districts and/or polling places for the following wards on the basis set out below:

Birch The alternative polling place be changed to Chatteris Town Council Offices, Church Lane The alternative polling place be changed to Chatteris Children’s Centre, Larham Way, if acceptable to be used as a polling Slade Lode station, or King Edward Centre, King Edward Road The polling district be spilt into AC1 and AC2, with separate polling places. AC1 – The Masonic Hall and AC2 – either The The Mills Sportsman PH or Chatteris Town Football Club Pavilion, West Street, if either are acceptable to be used as polling stations The alternative polling place for BA2 be changed to either First March Scout Hall, Badgeney Road or United Services Club, March East New Road, if either are acceptable to be used as polling stations The alternative polling place for BB1 be changed to a mobile polling station at March Youth and Community Centre, Station March North Road. The alternative polling place for BB2 be changed to Estover Road Playing Field Pavilion, if acceptable to be used as a polling station. The alternative polling place for BC2 be either March Library, City Road or Providence Baptist Church Hall, Burrowmoor Road, March West if either are acceptable to be used as polling stations. The alternative polling place for BC3 be either St Wendreda’s Church, Church Street or Neale Wade Academy, Wimbington Road, if either are acceptable to be used as polling stations. The polling districts have been redrawn to reflect a more evenly spilt of electors and attempt, as far as possible, to enable electors to vote at a station within their locality. The polling place for DA1 becomes Willow Court, Sorrell Avenue, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station, with the alternative being a mobile polling station at The Straw Bear PH, Drybread Bassenhally Road, but for the Elections in 2021 a mobile polling station at the Straw Bear PH, Drybread Road will be used. The polling place for DA2 becomes Peel House, Queen Street, with the alternative being a dual station at the Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street and the polling place for DA3 becomes Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street, with the alternative being Whittlesey Library, Market Street. The alternative polling place be changed to Manor Leisure Centre, Station Road, if acceptable to be used as a polling station Lattersey (although slightly outside the polling district). No Change, but for the Elections in 2021 the polling place for DC1 be St Andrews Parish Hall, Parkinsons Lane and for DC2 St Andrews Whittlesey Library, Market Street Stonald The alternative polling place to be a mobile polling station at St Johns Ambulance HQ, Plough Road The polling district has been redrawn to reflect a more evenly spilt of electors and identify suitable polling places in each polling district. The polling place for EB1 to be Awdry House, Ramnoth Road, with the alternative polling place to be College of West Octavia Hill Anglia, Ramnoth Road. The polling place for EB2 to be Rosmini Centre, Queens Road, if acceptable to be used as a polling station, with the alternative to be Thomas Clarkson Academy, Corporation Road, if acceptable to be used as a polling station. The polling place be changed to Wisbech Cricket and Hockey Club, Harecroft Road, with the alternative to be Barton Road Peckover Pavilion, Barton Road, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station. No Change, but the for the election in 2021, the polling place for EG1 to be Wisbech Town Football Club Pavilion, Lynn Road, if Waterlees Village acceptable to be used as a polling station (although it does lie outside the District). The polling district EG2 be spilt into two, EG2A and EG2B. The polling place for EG2A to be Oasis Village Centre, St Michaels Avenue and the polling place for EG2B

50 be either another room within the Oasis Village Centre that has separate access or a mobile polling station in the car park at the Oasis Village Centre. Doddington and The alternative polling place for FA to be either Doddington Scout Hall, Benwick Road or The Three Tuns PH, New Street, if Wimblington either are acceptable to use as polling stations The alternative polling place for GB to be either Elm Tree PH, Low Road, or Elm Parish Council Offices, Begdale Road, or The Elm and Sportsman PH, Main Road, if any are acceptable to be used as polling stations. The polling place for GD be changed to Christchurch Play2Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road, with the alternative to be The Oliver Twist, High Road. Manea The alternative polling place for HA be Manea British Legion, East Street, if it is acceptable to be used as a polling station. Parson Drove and The polling place for PD be changed to Play2Day, The Old Station Yard, Gull Road, with the alternative to be The Oliver Twist, Wisbech St Mary High Road. Roman Bank The polling districts for RB1 and RB2 have been redrawn to provide a more evenly spilt of electors in each polling district.

51