Heidi Allen, our MP, is very disappointed the Boundary Commission is proposing to move Bassingbourn, Melbourn and The Mordens out of South Cambridgeshire and into North East Hertfordshire as part of its 2018 Parliamentary Boundary Review.
In addition to losing these South Cambridgeshire wards, Queen Edith’s would be moved into Cambridge city to balance constituency numbers.
This means the wards and villages would be represented by a different MP after the 2020 general election – and Bassingbourn, Melbourn and The Mordens would become hybrid wards by remaining part of South Cambridgeshire District Council.
You have until Monday, 5th December to object to the proposals – see below.
Regrets
Heidi has written to the Boundary Commission outlining her objections to this plan, for while she personally regrets losing Queen Edith’s she understands the motivation and feels this is a common sense approach which will benefit residents living in Cambridge.
However, she is deeply unhappy with the idea of moving three of her rural wards into the North East Hertfordshire parliamentary constituency.
“I strongly object to Bassingbourn, The Mordens and Melbourn moving from South Cambridgeshire to North East Hertfordshire – and I know a great many of my constituents feel the same," she said.
Forever in Cambridgeshire
"These villages are and always will be Cambridgeshire villages. I am urging residents to submit their own objections to this plan, as it is so important constituents have their say – I don’t want to lose you!"
We published details of the Boundary Commission's proposals for South Cambridgeshire on this website when they were announced on 13th September – see Parliamentary boundary review - what it means to us; it's worth reading as background to this note.
Heidi has sent a copy of her letter outlining the reasons for her objection and some alternative suggestions to the plan to every parish in her constituency and also circulated it to the local primary and secondary schools and GP surgeries in the affected villages. Click here for a copy of her letter.
Have your say by 5th December
“The Boundary Commission has made it clear objections must be based on their own set of criteria and my letter outlines the basis for these objections," she says.
"The more objections submitted, the greater our chance of success of getting the Commission to change its mind.
"If this matters to you, please submit your objection before 5th December, when the consultation closes.”
The Commission has confirmed South Cambs residents may use Heidi’s submission as the basis for their objections and that objections based on the Commission’s own guidelines stand more chance of success.
Heidi has based her points on their guide, but residents should include their own feedback as well.
To object, please go to:
- This link for a copy of the Boundary Commission's 'Initial proposals'.
- This link for the Boundary Commission's guide – scroll down and on the right hand side click on the link Guide to the 2018 review.
- This link for the Boundary Commission's 'Have your say'.
- Alternatively, use this e-mail link information@boundarycommissionengland.gov.uk to write to them – but do put 'Object to South Cambridgeshire proposals' in the subject line.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact the Boundary Commission for England
Boundary Commission for England
35 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BQPhone
020 7276 1102
information@boundarycommissionengland.gov.ukWebsite
http://boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heidi Allen MP
South Cambridgeshire
153 St Neots Road
Hardwick
CB23 7QJ
Phone
01954 212 707
E-mail
heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk
Twitter
@heidiallen75
Website
www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk
Voting record in Parliament
www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/25348/heidi_allen/south_cambridgeshire