THE parishes of Wotton under Edge and Kingswood are currently seeking consensus on proposed ward boundary changes in the area.

As part of a review of the parish electoral arrangements within the district, Stroud District Council has put forward plans concerning a strip of land located in the middle of the two parishes.

Wotton Town Council said it ‘strongly objects’ to the proposals which, if adopted, could mean that Katharine Lady Berkeley School and Wotton Community Sports Foundation would no longer lie in the Wotton Parish ward, becoming part of the neighbouring Kingswood ward instead.

A final decision about the plans is set to be made by SDC today (Thursday) at Ebley Mill at 7pm.

A spokesman for Wotton Town Council said: “This proposal would result in the loss to the parish of the important and linked community facilities of Wotton Community Sports Foundation and Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School which are part of its identity and historical tradition.”

David Rockey, chairman of Kingswood Parish Council said that he believes it is ‘sensible’ to try and bring the parish and district ward boundaries in line, ‘as the Wotton under Edge boundary is hard against the Kingswood boundary’.

He said that although the Kingswood community is affected by many issues relating to this area, the parish council currently has no control over what happens there.

A Stroud District Council spokesperson said: “SDC has been undertaking a review of the parish electoral arrangements within the district.

“There was disagreement between Kingswood Parish Council and Wotton Parish Council related to proposed changes to their boundaries.

“The working group gave both Parish Councils the opportunity to meet them to see whether agreement could be reached.

“Unfortunately, this was not possible and the working group made a recommendation based on the information it had and the criteria set out in legislation.

“The final decision will be made by full council at its meeting on the July 18 and will be subject to the Local Government Boundary Commission’s approval.”

Wotton district councillor Ken Tucker said: “Wotton District Councillors are looking to see if the proposal can be removed from the proceedings at today’s meeting, until further consultations can take place.”