Local Boundary Changes in Shropshire
Local Boundary Changes in Shropshire
As part of a broader initiative to update local governance in Shropshire, boundary changes are now underway that directly affect Albrighton and Donington with Boscobel. These changes have been officially approved by Government, and residents will begin to see their impact on electoral representation, local services, and community identity to form a more cohesive community to benefit all.
Overview of the Boundary Changes in Shropshire
The boundary changes in Shropshire have been designed to better align electoral wards with shifts in population and improve the effectiveness of local governance. As of 1st April 2025, the new ward boundaries for Albrighton and Donington Parish Council will come into effect. This means that certain geographical areas have been reassigned to new electoral divisions, and some residents may now find themselves represented by different local councillors or be part of new service delivery zones.
Council’s to dissolve and reform as a new council – Albrighton and Donington Parish Council
One of the key aspects of the boundary changes is the dissolution of Donington with Boscobel and Albrighton to reform into a single, unified electoral and governance area. This change has been made to better reflect the close-knit nature of these communities and to ensure that local services and representation are more effectively managed. While Albrighton and Donington with Boscobel have historically been separate entities, this reformation will streamline the delivery of services, improve community engagement, and strengthen local representation.
The reformation means that residents of both Albrighton and Donington will now share more responsibilities and services under a single parish council, with a focus on maintaining the distinct identities and needs of each area. As part of this, the Parish Council will be restructured, with new councillors elected to represent the expanded community. This unified approach will enhance the voice of local residents, ensuring that both villages work together to address shared challenges. This will also allow for more cohesive planning and development efforts, ensuring that both Albrighton and Donington with Boscobel continue to grow and thrive as interconnected communities.
If you have any questions or concerns about the boundary changes and how they affect you, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. The Parish Council is here to help you navigate these changes and ensure that Albrighton and Donington continue to thrive under this new structure.
Map of the new parish of Albrighton and Donington
Impacts on Albrighton and Donington with Boscobel
These boundary changes will have a direct impact on our community, and it’s important for residents to understand the changes and how they may be affected:
- Electoral Representation: With the redefined boundaries, residents in Albrighton and Donington with Boscobel will now vote according to the new electoral divisions. This means that some residents will be voting in a different ward for both the Parish and Local Council elections. The first election under these new boundaries will take place 1st May 2025. It’s important to check your voter registration and ensure that your details are up to date.
- Community Identity: One of the most significant impacts of the boundary changes is the potential shift in local community identities. As the boundaries are redrawn, some residents will find themselves represented in different community groups or local associations. The Parish Council remains committed to preserving the unique character of Albrighton and Donington with Boscobel, and we will continue to ensure that all voices are heard and the community’s sense of belonging is maintained.
- Council Meetings and Communication: The revised boundaries may affect the way Parish Council meetings are held and which areas are represented. As of January 2025, the council is working to ensure that the public remains informed and engaged through regular updates and consultation opportunities. We will continue to provide clear communication through our website and newsletters and residents are welcomed to attend Parish Council meetings should they have any questions for the Council.
- Planning and Development: The redefined boundaries will also influence local planning decisions, with certain development projects being affected by the new wards. The Parish Council is actively working with Shropshire Council to ensure that any development aligns with the needs of our community.
Key Dates to Remember:
- 1st January 2025: The new boundaries officially take effect, with updated ward divisions in place and the order being sent to Shropshire Council.
- 31st March 2025: Albrighton and Donington with Boscobel Parish Councillor’s to step down, with Chair’s, Vice Chair’s, Shropshire Councillor and one additional DWBPC Councillor to remain.
- 1st April 2025: The remaining Councillors to sign the acceptance of office for nominated interim Councillors of ADPC
- 1st May 2025: Local elections will be held, where residents will vote according to the new boundaries.
- 2nd May 2025 onwards: Full implementation of new local governance and services under the revised boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will Cosford and Boscobel be included in the boundary changes?
Yes, Cosford and Boscobel will be included in the boundary changes. They will form part of Albrighton and Donington Parish Council as wards.
Will Donington with Boscobel residents receive a different precept or different Council Tax?
No, Donington with Boscobel residents will pay in the same amount as Albrighton residents for the newly formed Albrighton and Donington Parish Council, however, Shropshire Council may adjust the Council tax rates based on this from April 2025.
Are there going to be separate wards?
Yes, there will be 3 main Parish wards which are Donington with Boscobel, Albrighton East, and Albrighton West.
From this they will be divided as follows:
Parish wards of the Parish of Albrighton
Albrighton Rural – 1
Albrighton Village – 14
Parish wards of the Parish of Donington with Boscobel
Boscobel – 1
Cosford – 6
Windsor Road – 3
Will Donington with Boscobel residents be well represented on the new Parish?
Yes, we can assure residents that there will be a well distributed set of Councillors on all wards. There will be a total of 15 Councillors on Albrighton and Donington Parish Council, some Councillors will represent one ward, some may represent up to three wards depending on which ward they stand for and which they are elected on to.
Is Boningale going to be part of Albrighton and Donington Parish Council?
No, Boningale will still exist as a separate Parish Council within the Shifnal Rural Ward.
Who has undertaken the review?
Shropshire Council is responsible for undertaking any Community Governance Review within its area. Shropshire Council will be required to approve the final recommendations before a Community Governance Order is made.
When will these changes take effect?
The Official Order has gone in to Shropshire Council as of January 2025. Residents will start to notice implemented changes come into effect from 1st April 2025, when all Parish Councillors except for the interim Councillors will step down.
Will existing Parish Councillors from APC and DBPC be on the new Council?
From 31st March 2025, all Councillors on both Council’s (except for the interim Councillors) will step down. The interim Councillors will form the new Council from 1st April until 30th April 2025, when the Local Elections take place on 1st May 2025.
There are 6 Councillors (3 from both Councils) who will be interim Councillors from 1st April until 30th April 2025.
These Councillors are:
- Shropshire Councillor Nigel Lumby (APC Councillor)
- Chairman Councillor Colin Noakes (APC)
- Chairman Councillor David Williams (DBPC)
- Vice-Chairman Councillor David Meyrick (APC)
- Vice-Chairman Councillor Lee Chatburn (DBPC)
- Councillor Christine Jones (DBPC).
All residents are welcome to put their name forward for the Local Elections, whether they are old or current Councillor’s or have never been a Councillor before.
Can I become a Councillor on the new Council?/How do I stand for the Local Elections?
Local Elections will take place 1st May 2025 for the new Council, Albrighton and Donington Parish Council. Local residents are encouraged to put their name forward for the election to ensure there is a vote.
Albrighton and Donington Parish Council will receive a limited supply of Election Packs from Shropshire Council Elections Team. Residents are welcome to collect packs from the Council Office, but may be required to collect an Election Pack from Shirehall should we run out.
To stand as a Parish Councillor, you must:
- Be a British or Citizen of the Commonwealth
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked, or owned property in the area for at least 12 months before
These Councillors will then remain on the Council for the 4 year term of the election period, unless a Councillor wishes to resign during their term.
What happens if not enough people wish to stand on the new Council?
There will need to be more than 15 residents who wish to stand for Councillor for an election to take place. If 15 or less residents wish to stand, the original residents who have been nominated will automatically be contested onto the Council. In order for all seats to be filled, the remaining seats will either be co-opted, uncontested or elected onto the council. These factors all depend on what the original outcome is.
What will happen to the current Council Services and staff?
Both Parish Council’s will work together prior to the changes to ensure a smooth transition to forming the new Council. Current services will remain as they are and the new Council will review the services as part of their goals and aims for the coming 4 years.
Abbreviations:
APC – Albrighton Parish Council
DWBPC – Donington with Boscobel Parish Council
ADPC – Albrighton and Donington Parish Council
