COUNCILLORS have called for efforts to be taken to minimise the use of schools across Lichfield and Burntwood as polling stations in future.
A review of locations used during local and general elections has been carried out by Lichfield District Council.
It has seen some changes to find alternative locations in order to avoid schools closing when residents need to cast their votes.
Cllr Miles Trent, Lib Dem representative for Chadsmead ward, said the disruption caused by having to close educational sites on polling day should not be underestimated.
“At every election, the council receives complaints from parents where schools have to close – a number of residents in the ward I represent have also complained.
“It can be extremely disruptive for working families if a school has to close and is disruptive to the children themselves.
“In terms of the review, I made representations myself five years ago and I do note the situation is better with fewer schools used now so I’m pleased to see that, but there’s still many schools on the list.
“Some commenters might say it isn’t that disruptive as it’s only every few years or so, but we know by-elections, referendums and snap elections have created a boom time for elections in recent years so it does have a significant impact on primary schools.
“The report [on polling station locations] notes that it’s the decision of the headteacher whether to close the school. I don’t know if others know better than me, but my experience is that the school will close and this has quite an impact on them.”
Cllr Serena Mears, independent member for Highfield ward, also questioned the reasoning behind using schools as polling stations.
“Sports clubs, churches, scout huts, community centres, working men’s clubs are used, so when there is such a diverse range of inclusive venues already available, I can’t see that there’s any need for us to entertain using schools of any kind and causing disruption to education.
“Education is already stretched and taking away any time with children is detrimental.
“We can go through the polling process without having to use schools, so we need to avoid using them – there’s no need going forward.”
But Cllr Janice Silvester-Hall, Conservative representative for Hammerwich with Wall, said there may be occasions where schools were the best place for polling stations to be located.
“We’ve had the point made about where we can avoid schools where we possibly can, however, it’s also about appreciating the alternatives and their place in the community to make sure they are as inclusive as they possibly can be.”
Cllr Diane Evans, Labour representative for Boney Hay and Central, said there were occasions where a complete closure could be avoided on polling days.
“Schools don’t always have to close. One I’m chair of governors for, we only close off part of it – the nursery section –so maybe sometimes schools can look at their building and then don’t have to close the whole of the school.
“If we aren’t using mobile buildings as polling stations, the school is often in the only place people can go to vote.
“The idea of schools not being used is a good idea where possible, but there are alternatives if they wish to open part of their buildings.”
