Why 700 for Walthamstow

The Boundary Commission reviewed the boundaries of Westminster parliamentary constituencies, following legislation in 2011 to reduce their number, and make them more equal in size. It reported in 2018. Parliament has never debated this review, and is now very unlikely to.

In a similar review in 2011, the Commission initially included a Walthamstow constituency, but later eliminated it. '700 for Walthamstow' aimed to get local people, appalled by this, to send written responses to the Commission. In all around 1000 were sent (though the whole process was stopped in 2012 when parliament voted to stop it).

2.What to say

Points to raise with the Boundary Commission

(There is even more detail on local authority planning guides and local history in one of the template letters in the 700 for Walthamstow Dropbox folder - read the file 'PH template'; for access to the folder email: philipch@gmail.com)

The Sense of Place
This new proposal splits a long established community that is referenced in the Domesday book and has a well known and celebrated identity. Political engagement in the UK has been declining for many years as citizens repeatedly highlight their sense of alienation from the political process. So too, research consistently shows it is local ties and a ‘sense of place’ that are crucial to constituent engagement in the democratic process. In Walthamstow, this sense of place can be seen in activities such as the E17 art trail, the E17 Film Festival, the Stow Music Festival, as well as the multitude of local sports and community organisations which proudly define themselves as Stow or Walthamstow based. Indeed, the level of concern about these proposals being expressed is a microcosm of the strong sense of place residents in Walthamstow feel about the area.

The North Circular
This proposal explicitly contradicts the Boundary Commissions own concerns not to see the north circular split up a community – as their report states ‘We are in no doubt that the North Circular Road divides, rather than links, the communities on either side of it’. However under this proposal residents living either side of the North Circular would be expected to engage in the political process as mutual Chingford Residents, whether they live near the William Morris Gallery or Blackhorse Road station or near Epping Forest and Gilwell Park.

Leyton and Walthamstow Town Centre
Further failing to reflect the way in which local residents live in this area, the report states the name Leyton, ‘describes the main population centre adequately’. This overlooks the distinctive, larger and vibrant town centre of Walthamstow. The status of Walthamstow as the dominant area of the borough (see the link below) is reflected in the name Waltham Forest. However under these proposals residents who live near the Coppermill lane and Walthamstow Marsh area would be expected to share civic concerns with those living in Cathall and Leytonstone, despite no direct transport links between these areas. Furthermore the Greater London Assembly planning document updated in July 2011, in its Town Centre Network classifies Walthamstow as a Major centre, and Leyton (and Chingford) as Districts.

Public and Civic Life Access
Whether our work to restore our cinema, fight for school places or health care services it is clear Walthamstow has distinctive needs which reflect the geography of the area as well as the differing communities that live within the area. Indeed, responding to these challenges residents in Walthamstow find it easier to access services in Hackney or Redbridge – visiting South Woodford to go to the cinema or indeed central London for women’s health services- further reflecting the lack of ties and difficulties in reaching either Chingford or Leyton for Walthamstow based citizens.

Process Concerns
This proposal was not in any previous plan the Boundary Commission produced for constituencies for the North East London area. Indeed, all prior plans explicitly stated that a constituency for Walthamstow should be created. It is therefore not reasonable for the Commission to expect Walthamstow residents to have previously participated in their consultation process, as they have had no prior warning such a change was under consideration. Walthamstow residents should therefore not be penalised by the lack of public meeting at which to express their view on this matter by having their political representation diluted.

Alternative proposals
Just as residents in Walthamstow feel strongly about their own representation, so too we recognise the identities of Chingford, Leyton and Ilford. We therefore encourage the Boundary Commission to reject these proposals and instead reconfigure North East London to reflect these local ties.

Links
Walthamstow as the Major town centre (scroll down to the item on 'What the London Plan says')
More info:
  • What to say - some points to raise with the Boundary Commission
  • Help with your letter
  • Links
  • News - Our video, Don't assume the changes won't happen, What the London Plan says
  • Maps
  • Why it's a BAD THING - the case against the proposals
  • Pictures - an example of the present boundary, and of the proposed boundary
  • NEW Our video - One voice for Walthamstow - brilliant work by Sian, Lorraine, and their team. Thanks to all involved!

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