Issue - meetings

Report of the Returning Officer

The Returning Officer introduced the report, saying it was the council’s statutory duty to ensure that all electors have reasonable and accessible facilities for voting.  A full review of polling districts, places and stations was carried out in 2024, following which the function room at The Umbrella public house was designated as the polling place for polling district OA.   However, following concerns from councillors about the polling station being situated outside St Mark’s ward, and with further consultation, The Common Ground in Brooklyn Road (formerly St Marks and Hesters Way Community Association) has been identified as a more suitable alternative for electors in polling district OA.

He thanked borough and county councillors for aligning behind this recommendation.

A Member asked what contingency plan was in place if the polling station, which would now accommodate three polling districts, became unusable for any reason.  The   Electoral Services Manager confirmed that the Hesters Way polling station would be moved to the Oasis Sports Hall, and that an agreement is in place to have a portacabin supplier and generator on standby for the two St Mark’s districts. 

A Member thanked officers for the clear explanation, and welcomed the recommendations.  The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets also thanked officers and the elections team on behalf of all his colleagues, for their hard work all year round.  The Mayor added his thanks.

RESOLVED THAT: 

-       the change of polling place / station for electors in polling district OA to vote at The Common Ground, Cheltenham, Brooklyn Road (formerly St Marks & Hesters Way Community Association) is approved.