Concern over voting changes in Midhurst area

Independents Gordon McAra and Steve Morley who represent Midhurst on the district council outlined the plans to fellow town councillors.

Cllr McAra said the boundary review was ‘all about numbers’ and parishes were being drawn into the town to make up the voting figures.

There would still be two representatives but it was planned to add Stedham, Iping and Chithurst to the town as well as Bepton, West Lavington and Cocking which would give two seats with about 3000 voters for each.

At Easebourne there would continue to be one representative but Lurgashall, Heyshott and Woolbeding and Redford are set to be added to the seat.

Cllr Morley said there were concerns in the rural parishes about the changes.

“Some of the rural parishes feel that urban based councillors won’t be able to represent their problems and it’s a very difficult one to get over.”

The new boundary changes are due to be put in place in time for the next district council elections which take place in 2018.

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