A survey conducted by Cllr John Pugh on behalf of the Liberal Democrats shows a significant number of residents opposed to boundary changes that would split Ainsdale from the political constituency of Southport.
Plans announced by the Boundary Commission in June suggested moving Ainsdale into the Sefton Central constituency, while four Lancashire wards (North Meols, Hesketh-Becconsall, Tarleton and Rufford) would become part of Southport.
A survey launched by the Liberal Democrats has been taken by over 500 people, with over 91% being against the proposal. Over 98% of the responses came from people who lived in either Ainsdale or another area of Southport.
The survey remains open and can be taken HERE.
John Pugh describes the response as encouraging and praised Ainsdale residents for their “thoughtful and often deeply-felt responses”. He says that everal residents have already responded directly to the Boundary Commission themselves.
John Pugh said: “Work has started on presenting a case to the Boundary Commission and public opinion matters. It is not though sufficient. We need to show that the requirement in law to make all constituencies of similar size can be met. Ironically Southport itself with Ainsdale is already the right size but is being carved up in order to make the numbers even in other parts of Merseyside.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that the integrity of Southport which uniquely has remained unchanged as constituency since 1918 is being sacrificed for the benefit of other areas. On the Boundary Commission’s own figures Southport with 71,037 electors is well within the acceptable range and is likely to grow with all the new housing coming on stream.
“Last time in 2016 when Boundary Commission came up with unworkable changes, they revised the proposals in response to argument. This time there is even less of a case for their proposed changes.
“Ironically the Commission state that their current proposals ‘both better respect local ties and the boundaries of existing constituencies.‘
“We need though to boost our evidence with more fieldwork and a clear evidence base. All help now will be gratefully received!
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