A LONG-AWAITED new political map for Barnsley has finally been revealed.
The Local Government Boundary Commission England (LGBCE) is the independent body that draws the boundaries across the country.
The commission has published final recommendations for changes.
It had already ditched previous plans to move Silkstone Common from Penistone East into the Dodworth ward following a public backlash - a decision welcomed by then MP Miriam Cates, councillors and parish councillors.
It says residents should be represented by 63 councillors.
This is the same as the current arrangements.
There will be 21 three-councillor wards, the same as before.
However Coun Robert Barnard, who represents Penistone East, told the Chronicle he is not happy with the councillor arrangements.
He added: “It is good news that the parish of Silkstone will not be split between two different wards.
“However, I am disappointed that the LGBCE did not accept my earlier proposal to reduce the size of the council to two members per ward with all-out elections every four years.
“The opportunity to make a radical transformation which would have saved council taxpayers money has unfortunately been missed.
“Furthermore I opposed the creation of the Dodworth, Stainborough and Tankersley ward as residents of Stainborough and Hood Green were opposed to the move as were some in Tankersley.”
A total of 365 people and organisations submitted their views to the commission - with a number of changes being made to the current political map.
The current St Helen’s ward will be named Athersley and New Lodge.
Coun Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for core services, said: “We’re pleased that the Local Government Boundary Commission has agreed with our proposals, making only minor amendments.
“We believe these new boundary arrangements allow us to best serve our communities effectively and fairly.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views on the new wards and boundaries.”
Publishing the recommendations Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, added: “We are very grateful to people in Barnsley.
“We looked at all the views they gave us.
“They helped us improve our earlier proposals.
“We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.”
A full list of the changes can be found on the Barnsley Council website.
