A POLLING review has begun this month in the borough of Neath Port Talbot, to look at potentially moving a number of polling stations in the area.
It could mean changes to the locations of where people vote in future elections or referendums in a number of local wards across the county borough, in constituencies such as Neath, Port Talbot, Skewen and Aberavon.
Each local council is required to complete a full review of polling districts and polling places every five years, though changes can still be made at any time, with these latest amendments set to come into force in December of 2023.
It could see changes to the locations to a number of polling stations including those at Skewen East Central, where voting could be moved from its current location in the Salvation Army Community Hall, to the Carnegie Community Centre.
Others up for consideration could see voting at Cynonville And Duffrynville move to the Cymmer Afan Community Library, and Port Talbot Park and Port Talbot Central move to the Plaza in Port Talbot.
Chief Executive Karen Jones said the council is now looking for feedback from members of the public and community groups with a view to “improving access or seeking alternative locations” for polling stations.
She said: “To assist us in ensuring that all our polling districts, polling places and polling stations are as accessible as possible I am keen to encourage as many individuals and community groups as possible to make their views heard during this consultation period. This will allow us to ensure that our polling arrangements are as convenient as possible for any future elections or referendums.”
A statement on the council website read: “The review will include comments by the relevant returning officers on proposed polling stations, and the council invites representations from electors within the above area.
“The council would also welcome representations from any body or person with expertise in access for persons with disabilities, or to comment on the council’s proposals, the returning officer’s representations or any other matter related to the review. Any body or persons making such representations should give alternative places that may be used as polling places or polling stations.”
Feedback to the consultation must now be given to the local authority by Thursday, November 2, 2023, on Neath Port Talbot Council’s website or by post.
