Consultation Into Scarborough Borough Polling Station Locations

Scarborough Borough Council is consulting on the location of some polling stations in three of the borough’s wards.

Following feedback received during the three elections held in 2019, recommendations for some locations to remain the same and for some to change are being proposed within Esk Valley and Streonshalh wards in Whitby and Northstead ward in Scarborough.

The Council says in Esk Valley ward, the sports pavilion in Grosmont has been a suitable polling station for many years, but its limitations for a winter poll were evident in December 2019. Polling venues in the Grosmont area were reviewed as a result, but no suitable alternatives are available so the recommendation is to remain at the existing location.

After a similar review, the council is also proposing to keep the Whitby Mission and Seafarers’ Centre as a polling station in Streonshalh ward.

Elsewhere in the Streonshalh ward, it is proposed that electors who currently vote at St Hilda’s RC Primary School use the polling station at Church House Centre on Flowergate instead. This recommendation is in line with the council’s preference to move away from using schools as polling stations due to the disruption it can cause their pupils and staff. The council is also mindful of the ongoing consultation about the potential closure of the school and the uncertainty that creates for any future elections.

In Scarborough’s Northstead ward, Alexandra Bowls Centre has been a long standing polling station. However, The Street community venue, which lies within the heart of the residential area is being recommended as a better alternative for voters, saving a nearly one mile journey for the majority of those who walk to the polling station.

Kerry Russett, Scarborough Borough Council’s Democratic Services and Corporate Modernisation Manager said:

“Our polling station review has not only taken into account the location of each of these four venues but even more importantly, accessibility.

“In response to feedback, we have thoroughly researched and assessed each venue. We feel confident that the places we are recommending are the best possible polling stations for voters.”

Full details of the recommended changes can be viewed on the council’s website at scarborough.gov.uk/pdreview or at the Town Hall in Scarborough.

Any registered voter is welcome to comment on the current and proposed arrangements, including those with expertise in access for people with disabilities. Where possible, people making representations should suggest alternative places that may be used as polling stations.

All comments must be submitted no later than Monday 12 October by emailing electors@scarborough.gov.uk or writing to the Acting Returning Officer, Electoral Services, Scarborough Borough Council, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2HG.