An MP says plans to redraw Parliamentary voting boundaries will slice Lichfield in two – due to the “arrogant” approach of those behind the proposals.
The Boundary Commission for England has published a final report into plans to rebalance the number of voters in each constituency.
But the move means people living in Streethay and Whittington will in future be voting for Tamworth’s MP, while those in Hixon and the Haywoods will now be voting for Lichfield’s Member of Parliament.
Lichfield’s Conservative MP Michael Fabricant said the changes – which still need to be approved by Parliament – made no sense for local residents.
“The proposed new boundary for the Lichfield constituency looks as if Tamworth has launched the Battle of the Bulge against Lichfield and won,” he said.
“Lichfield is sliced in two with its eastern half cut off despite protests from constituents and from me.
“The Boundary Commissioners have behaved in an arrogant manner paying no regard to the social or educational arguments presented to them by residents. Their own argument has been weak intellectually and I am disappointed with them.”
The change would mean people using Lichfield Trent Valley station could be in Tamworth or Lichfield depending on which platform they are using.
Mr Fabricant explained: “If this legislation goes through, the London-bound platform of Lichfield Trent Valley station will be in Tamworth with the north-bound platform remaining in Lichfield with the boundary running up the middle of the four tracks.
“Parts of Curborough and all of Whittington and Streethay will be in Tamworth, despite their children going to Lichfield schools and all the ancient roads leading to Lichfield not Tamworth. In short, all their ties are with Lichfield.
“The commission have made fools of themselves. Alternative plans which would have also met the commission’s legal requirements had been offered, but ignored.”
Should Parliament back the plans, the new boundaries would come into effect at the next General Election.
