Allerdale Borough Council is holding a series of public consultation events to let people find out more, and have their say, on proposed changes to the way Workington Town Council is governed.
The dates, times and locations of the events are:
- Saturday 6th October from 10am – 12pm, The Youth Community Room, The Oval Centre
- Saturday 13th October from 10am – 12pm, The Conference Room, The Minto Centre
- Saturday 20th October from 10am – 12pm, Studio Two, The Carnegie Theatre, Workington
The events are open to everyone and officers and councillors will be on hand to explain the proposed changes and answer any questions.
The second stage consultation of the Workington Town Council Community Governance Review considers proposals for the number of councillors as well as changes to the number of wards and their boundaries. These were proposed by the governance review working group after considering the responses to the first stage consultation held in May this year.
The consultation also includes questions on the future of Moorclose, in the town, and whether it should be a separate parish council. This is in response to a petition carried out by Moorclose councillor Stephen Stoddart, calling for a separate parish council to be considered for the area. It was unanimously agreed at the Council meeting of borough councillors on 25 July 2018 to consult on this proposal.
Workington Town Council currently has 30 councillors across 11 wards. The proposed changes would mean the number of councillors is reduced to 25 and, if agreed, the number of wards would shrink to eight. To accommodate the changes, there are also proposed changes to the ward boundaries.
Anyone who cannot make it to one of the events, but would like to have their say and find out more can go online at www.allerdale.gov.uk/consultation and follow the links. There are also hard-copy versions of the consultation available in public buildings and on request from the Council’s Electoral Services section on 01900 702 550.
The closing date for responses has been extended to 31 October 2018 to allow for the public meetings.
Cllr Joan Ellis, Executive member with responsibility for governance, said: “I would encourage everyone to come along to one of these events and have their say. It is important that we get this right as it will determine local government arrangements in Workington for years to come.”
The review is being carried out by a working party of the 15 Allerdale Borough Council councillors who represent Workington.
The working group’s final recommendations will be voted on by borough councillors before any changes, if agreed, can come into effect.
