Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order gives effect, subject to modifications, to recommendations by the Local Government Commission for England for electoral changes in the borough of Tunbridge Wells. The changes have effect in relation to local government elections to be held on and after 2nd May 2002.
The modifications relate to parish and borough ward boundaries. The Secretary of State has decided that the whole of Hythe Close should be transferred from the Southborough and High Brooms Ward to the Southborough North Ward, therefore moving the boundary line to run along the A26 London Road. The Secretary of State has also decided that there shall be three parish wards in the Southborough Parish.
Article 2 abolishes the existing wards of the borough and provides for the creation of 20 new wards. That article and Schedule 1 also make provision for the names and areas of, and numbers of councillors for, the new wards.
Article 3 makes provision for a whole council election in 2002 and for revision to elections by thirds in subsequent years. Schedule 2 regulates the order of retirement of councillors.
Articles 4 to 6 make electoral changes in the parishes of Goudhurst, Paddock Wood and Southborough.
Article 7 provides for elections of parish councils in the borough.
Article 8 revokes the Borough of Tunbridge Wells (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1976.
The areas of the new borough and parish wards are demarcated on the map described in article 1(3). Prints of the map may be inspected at all reasonable times at the offices of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and at the offices of the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, 2nd Floor, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE.