Welcome to Beenham and Englefield

The Independent Boundary Commission decided to put Englefield and Beenham into the Wokingham constituency for the 2010 election. They did this because the Newbury constituency had grown too large from new homes and new residents. They allow Parliamentary constituencies to go across District boundaries but not across County boundaries. In 1997 they transferred Burghfield, Mortimer and the adjacent villages into Wokingham so I am used to working with West Berkshire as well as Wokingham Council.

I understand that some residents think this odd, as their loyalties and lives take them to Newbury town rather than to Wokingham. I would like to assure all that I fully understand these different feelings and loyalites, and will if elected work hard to represent all people in the constituency equally, wherever they live or whatever their allegiance. There are no changes to the District Council boundaries, so people in West Berkshire will still look to Newbury for local services, planning and other local matters.

With my team I delivered invitations to the new residents of the constituency to join us on Monday night in Burghfield Village Hall for the Open meeting there. I have spent one afternoon in Englefield and Beenham and another afternoon in Beenham to meet as many as possible and to walk the areas so I know them. I will be a regular visitor after May 6th if returned to Parliament.

Promoted by Christine Hill on behalf of John Redwood, both of 30 Rose Street Wokingham RG40 1XU

1 Comment

  1. Gareth
    April 29, 2010

    Hi John,

    It was my question on BBCRB and I am glad that you have acknowledged the concern. It was at the time meant tongue in cheek and I was aware of the reasons for the changes.

    One of the biggest issues affecting democracy in this country is the apathy of the electorate as demonstrated by the low turn out in previous elections. I think this type of change doesn't help, people need to feel they are voting for something that affects them. I will vote but there will be people who will not purely because they do not have an affinity with the constituency they are part of. The system needs to be looked at..and your the man to challenge this.

    Maybe we could change the constituency name perhaps 'Wokingham, random parts of Reading and a few villages of West Berkshire' or maybe not

    Reply: Yes , it as good to be able to explain the boundary changes. A different name would help, but perhaps not your one!

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