Welsh Boundary Commission Review 2023
WELSH BOUNDARY COMMISSION REVIEW 2023
On Thursday 14 September 2023 and Extraordinary Council Meeting was held to discuss the above subject.
Commission proposes to transfer the St Lythans ward, which is currently part of the Community of Wenvoe, into the Community of St Nicholas and Bonvilston. The proposal sees the existing St Lythans ward join the Community of St Nicholas and Bonvilston. The consequential community electoral arrangements have been considered. The proposal was submitted by the VOGCPWG and supported by St Nicholas and Bonvilston Community Council and places the settlements of Dyffryn and St Lythans in the Community of St Nicholas and Bonvilston. The Commission agrees that this proposal provides for more effective and convenient local government.
Finally, the Commission proposes to create a new ward within the Community of Wenvoe. This involves the creation of a new ward in the north of the community and affects 421 electors. The proposal was submitted by Wenvoe Community Council, who proposed to create a new Brooklands ward within the Community of Wenvoe by utilising the polling district of PA1 (Wenvoe B). The Commission agrees that this proposal provides for more effective and convenient local government.
At this meeting, the above was discussed and the Council unanimously strongly opposed to support this proposal. The St Lythans, Twyn yr Odyn and Duffryn have been part of Wenvoe since before 1974. It would mean the loss of the allotments and playing field at Twyn yr Odyn to Bonvilston and St Nicholas; these were given to Wenvoe by the Jenner family in excess of 50 years ago.
The village of Wenvoe has excellent community activities including a Choir, Wildlife Group, Scout Group, Community Library and Café, shop and post office, school – to name just a few. Things are happening in the village on a very positive note and which includes the residents of St Lythans, Twyn yr Odyn and Duffryn. Cllr Russell Godrey already as a petition signed by residents of St Lythans, Twyn yr Odyn and Duffryn who wish to stay in the Wenvoe ward as they use the local facilities.
The Council are at a loss as to the justification of this move as it would make the St Lythans Park estate further away from a community council. We are not sure whether the children of the St Lythan’s Park estate would be able to go to Gwenfo School.
If you oppose this Boundary Review, please sign the Petition which will be in the foyer of the Community Council on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during opening hours and in the Hub and other locations.
Cllr Janet Williams Chair –WCC