Ward boundary changes could “split the community”, councillor warns

Proposed ward boundary changes in Caerphilly County Borough could “split the community”, a councillor has warned.

Concerns have been raised by Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge over the proposed move of the Cefn Fforest East ward from Blackwood to Cefn Fforest.

The proposals made by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales were subject to a 12-week consultation, which was paused due to lockdown.

The proposals include reducing the number of councillors from 73 to 69 and reducing the number of electoral wards by three to 33.

However, the consultation is set to restart again next week.

The proposals would see Cefn Fforest gain the Ceffn Fforest East ward from Blackwood, while Blackwood would be made up of the Blackwood Central, Blackwood North and Blackwood South wards.

Cllr Etheridge said: “They are actually proposing splitting streets like Bloomfield Road and Cefn Road – long streets both in Blackwood Ward at the present time.

“These areas have been in the Blackwood Ward for decades.

“The recent draft proposals on numbers alone by the Local Government Boundary Commission to split the Community of Blackwood does not consider our heritage, and the community spirit which I believe it will destroy by moving various streets into the Cefn Forest Electoral ward.

“I believe these proposals will split the community of Blackwood should they be approved by the minister and are unacceptable.”

Residents will be able to have their say on the draft proposals from June 15 to July 7.

To see the proposals, visit obv.sr/cdp