Changes to Sandwell polling station locations ahead of local elections

People in Sandwell are being told to check where they're voting in the local elections next week ahead of changes to polling stations.

The council's concerned that too many schools were being used for previous elections which was then having an effect on the education of pupils.

There are changes to 24 Sandwell polling stations for the elections next Thursday (May 5). They include 18 schools listed as no longer usable, and will move to alternative buildings.

The changes were first approved by Sandwell council via their own general purposes and arbitration committee in January this year.

They also noted the use of temporary cabins as polling stations was impractical and cost too much money.

Locals who are impacted by these changes will receive a letter, according to Sandwell council.

Kim Bromley-Derry, returning officer at Sandwell council, and a commissioner, said: “We’ve worked hard to reduce the number of schools used as polling stations to limit the impact on children’s education.

“We’re working to reduce that number further for future elections.

“So, before you vote this year, do quickly check your poll card to make sure you go to the right place.

“Signs will be put up outside former polling stations telling voters where they need to go should they travel to the wrong place – and all of the new polling stations will be very close to their previous location.

“Everyone whose polling station has changed will have received a separate letter, as well as their poll card, making them aware of the changes.”

The proposed changes are:

Abbey

If you voted at Bearwood Primary School, this polling station has moved to Bearwood Baptist Church.

Bristnall

If you voted at the temporary hut outside Langley Swimming Centre, some voters will continue to vote there while others will vote inside Langley Swimming Centre.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill

If you voted at Corngreaves Primary School, this polling station has moved to the Salvation Army Worship and Community Centre.

Friar Park

If you voted at Friar Park Millennium Centre, this polling station has moved to St Francis of Assisi Church.

Great Bridge

If you voted at Great Bridge Primary School, this polling station has moved to New Road Methodist Church.

Greets Green and Lyng

If you voted at either Hanbury Primary School or Lyng Primary School, this has moved to Good Shepherd with St John Church. For other voters it has moved to Wood Lane Community Centre. For others, your polling station has moved to Good Shepherd with St John Church.

Hateley Heath

If you voted at Moorlands Methodist Church, this polling station has moved to Hall Green Primary School.

Langley

If you voted at York Road Social Club or Causeway Green Primary School, this polling station has moved to Causeway Green Methodist Church.

If you voted at Causeway Green Primary School, this polling station has moved to Causeway Green Methodist Church.

A temporary voting hut has moved to York Road.

Oldbury

If you voted at the Meadows Schoo or Rounds Green Priamry School, this polling station has moved to Balaji Temple.

If you voted at Tividale Community Primary School, this polling station has moved to St Michael the Archangel Church.

Old Warley

If you voted at Brandhall Primary School or Perryfields Primary School, this polling station has moved to Oaktree Centre at King’s Community Church.

Princes End

If you voted at Wednesbury Oak Academy School, this polling station has moved to Tipton Sports Academy Social Club.

If you voted at Glebefields Primary School, this polling station has moved to St Mark’s Church Hall.

Rowley

If you voted at Brickhouse Primary School, this polling station has moved to Brickhouse Community Centre.

St Paul’s

If you voted at Galton Valley Primary School, this polling station has moved to Brasshouse Community Centre.

If you voted at Rood End Primary School, this polling station has moved to St John’s Community Centre.

Soho and Victoria

If you voted at Cape Primary School, this polling station has moved to the CAP Centre.

Tividale

If you voted at Darley House Residents Lounge, this polling station has moved to Portway Lifestyle Centre.

Wednesbury North

If you voted at the temporary hut at Holyhead Primary School car park, this polling station has moved to Wednesbury Leisure Centre.

West Bromwich Central

If you voted at the BT Building, this polling station has moved to West Bromwich Town Hall.

Find our your polling station here: www.sandwell.gov.uk/pollingstations