2026 Interim Polling Scheme Review - Consultation Information

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What is this consultation about?

All local authorities are required to conduct a statutory review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations every 5 years. Statutory reviews are conducted under the Representation of the Peoples Act 1983 (as amended) and the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (parliamentary elections) Regulations 2006 (as amended).

Depending on local circumstances, Councils may also carry out interim reviews. Cheshire West and Chester Council is carrying out an interim review of polling districts and polling places across the borough. This review is being undertaken ahead of the scheduled elections in May 2027 and will follow the legislative requirements of the Electoral Commission.

Any changes agreed will not affect the timetable or requirement for the next statutory review scheduled for 2028/2029.


What do these terms mean?

  • Polling district - A polling district is a specific geographic area created for the purpose of elections.
  • Polling place - A polling place is the area or building within a polling district in which a polling station is usually located.
  • Polling station - A polling station is the location within a polling place where voting takes place.


Why are we carrying out this review?

The review will help ensure that voters continue to have access to suitable, convenient and accessible places to vote.

Changes are proposed to 15 polling places and 3 polling districts based on a preliminary review undertaken as per Electoral Commission Guidance.

This consultation provides residents, organisations, elected officials and anyone with an interest with an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes being considered before any decisions are made.

Your feedback will help inform the Council's final recommendations.


What are we trying to achieve?

When carrying out this review, the Council aims to ensure that, as is reasonable and practical, all:

  • Polling places are located within the corresponding polling district;
  • Polling places are suitable, convenient and accessible for all voters; and
  • Polling places are suitable for housing polling stations.


What is not included in this review?

This review only includes polling districts and polling places. It does not include:

  • UK parliamentary constituency boundaries;
  • Borough or parish ward boundaries; or
  • Polling stations.

There is however an opportunity to comment on what could be considered in future Polling Scheme Reviews.


Proposed Changes

The table below provides a summary of the proposed changes being considered for polling districts and polling places.

For the complete list of polling district and polling place arrangements by constituency, please see the supporting documents on the consultation webpage here.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who currently vote at any of the polling places listed below.


Chester North and Neston Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Cherry Grove Primary School, Cherry Grove Road
    • Polling district reference: UB12
    • Local Authority Ward: Chester City and Garden Quarter
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 187
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Rowland Heights Community Room because Cherry Grove Primary School sits in the wrong Local Government Ward for voters living in this district.
  • Current polling place: St Thomas’ Parish Hall, Parkgate Road
    • Polling district reference: UB3 and UB5
    • Local Authority Ward: Chester City and Garden Quarter
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): UB3 - 488, UB5 - 960
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to the former SureStart building at Blue Coats Primary School because St Thomas’ Parish Hall is undergoing long-term refurbishments works and will be unavailable as a venue in May 2027.
  • Current polling place: Mobile Polling Station - Morrisons Car Park, Liverpool Road
    • Polling district reference: UB4
    • Local Authority Ward: Chester City and Garden Quarter
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1715
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Chester Air Cadet Hall, Upton to save on the costs associated with the hire of a mobile polling station and provide a more centralised location for voters in the area.
  • Current polling place: Neston Town Hall, High Street
    • Polling district reference: UE2
    • Local Authority Ward: Neston
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1638
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Brio Neston to reduce the number of voters using Neston Town Hall and provide a secondary location in the town.
  • Current polling place: Chester District Scout HQ, Weston Grove
    • Polling district reference: UI1 and UI2
    • Local Authority Ward: Upton
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): UI1 - 1530 & UI2 - 1244
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to the Cheshire County Sports Club as a more accessible location and venue with better parking arrangements for local voters.


Chester South and Eddisbury Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Norley C of E County Primary School, Hough Lane
    • Polling district reference: VG12
    • Local Authority Ward: Tarvin and Kelsall
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 0
    • Proposed changes being considered: Proposal to remove this polling district and merge it with a neighbouring district VG6 because no voters are registered here. The district was created as an administrative area following the 2023 Parliamentary Boundary Review and is no longer needed.
  • Current polling place: Lighthouse Former Church House, Church Lane
    • Polling district reference: VI13
    • Local Authority Ward: Weaver and Cuddington
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 45
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Cuddington & Sandiway Village Hall because it is a closer location for voters in the district. Lighthouse Former Church House will still be used as a Polling Station for voters in Weaverham.


Ellesmere Port and Bromborough Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Bethany Church, Flatt Lane
    • Polling district reference: WA4
    • Local Authority Ward: Central and Grange
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 922
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Our Lady of the Sea Parish Hall because Bethany Church is no longer operational and will be unavailable as a venue in May 2027.


Mid-Cheshire Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: St John’s Church Hall Hartford, School Lane
    • Polling district reference: XB1
    • Local Authority Ward: Hartford and Greenbank
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 2327
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Hartford Village Hall, pending agreement by the Parish Council, to reduce the number of voters using St John’s Church. St. John’s Church will continue to be used as a polling place for voters in other districts closer to the venue.
  • Current polling place: Christ Church Greenbank, Chester Road
    • Polling district reference: XB5
    • Local Authority Ward: Hartford and Greenbank
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 521
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Cheshire County Football Association building because Christ Church sits in the wrong Local Government Ward for voters living in this district.
  • Current polling place: Castle Sports and Social Club, David Street
    • Polling district reference: XD6
    • Local Authority Ward: Northwich Winnington and Castle
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 913
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to the nearby RAF Cadet Hall in Castle, Northwich to reduce the number of voters using the Castle Sports and Social Club. The Castle Sports and Social Club which will still be used as a polling place for voters in other districts closer to the venue.
  • Current polling place: Leftwich Children’s Centre, Old Hall Road
    • Polling district reference: XF2
    • Local Authority Ward: Rudheath
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 0
    • Proposed changes being considered: Proposal to remove this polling district and merge it with the neighbouring district XF3 because no voters are registered here. The district was created as an administrative area following the 2023 Parliamentary Boundary Review and is no longer needed.
  • Current polling place: New Images Youth and Community Centre, Nixon Drive
    • Polling district reference: XI2
    • Local Authority Ward: Winsford Over and Verdin
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1811
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to the Brunner Guildhall to reduce the number of voters using the New Images Youth and Community Centre. The New Images Youth and Community Centre will still be used as a polling place for voters in other districts closer to the venue.


Runcorn and Helsby Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Helsby Community Centre, Lower Robin Hood Lane
    • Polling district reference: YC4
    • Local Authority Ward: Helsby
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 254
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to merge this polling district with the neighbouring district YC1 immediately to the north. This would create a more balanced number of voters across polling districts in Helsby and better reflect new housing developments in the south of the village.
  • Current polling place: Helsby Hillside Primary School, Bates Lane
    • Polling district reference: YC2
    • Local Authority Ward: Helsby
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1314
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to St Paul’s Church Hall, pending agreement by the church, as a more accessible location and venue with better parking arrangements for local voters.
  • Current polling place: Horns Mill Primary School, Denbigh Close
    • Polling district reference: YC3
    • Local Authority Ward: Helsby
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1225
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Helsby Community Sports Club, pending agreement by the club, as a more accessible location and venue with better parking arrangements for local voters.
  • Current polling place: Ashton Hayes Parish Room, West End
    • Polling district reference: YD3
    • Local Authority Ward: Sandstone
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): Aston Hayes and Horton Cum Peel Parish - 805, Mouldsworth Parish - 255
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Ashton Hayes Pavilion due to feedback from electors in the village.


Tatton Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Barnton Memorial Hall, Townfield Lane
    • Polling district reference: ZA4
    • Local Authority Ward: Marbury
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1432
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Barnton Methodist Church as a secondary polling place to reduce the number of voters using Barnton Memorial Hall. Barnton Memorial Hall will continue to be used as a polling place for voters in other districts.

What is this consultation about?

All local authorities are required to conduct a statutory review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations every 5 years. Statutory reviews are conducted under the Representation of the Peoples Act 1983 (as amended) and the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (parliamentary elections) Regulations 2006 (as amended).

Depending on local circumstances, Councils may also carry out interim reviews. Cheshire West and Chester Council is carrying out an interim review of polling districts and polling places across the borough. This review is being undertaken ahead of the scheduled elections in May 2027 and will follow the legislative requirements of the Electoral Commission.

Any changes agreed will not affect the timetable or requirement for the next statutory review scheduled for 2028/2029.


What do these terms mean?

  • Polling district - A polling district is a specific geographic area created for the purpose of elections.
  • Polling place - A polling place is the area or building within a polling district in which a polling station is usually located.
  • Polling station - A polling station is the location within a polling place where voting takes place.


Why are we carrying out this review?

The review will help ensure that voters continue to have access to suitable, convenient and accessible places to vote.

Changes are proposed to 15 polling places and 3 polling districts based on a preliminary review undertaken as per Electoral Commission Guidance.

This consultation provides residents, organisations, elected officials and anyone with an interest with an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes being considered before any decisions are made.

Your feedback will help inform the Council's final recommendations.


What are we trying to achieve?

When carrying out this review, the Council aims to ensure that, as is reasonable and practical, all:

  • Polling places are located within the corresponding polling district;
  • Polling places are suitable, convenient and accessible for all voters; and
  • Polling places are suitable for housing polling stations.


What is not included in this review?

This review only includes polling districts and polling places. It does not include:

  • UK parliamentary constituency boundaries;
  • Borough or parish ward boundaries; or
  • Polling stations.

There is however an opportunity to comment on what could be considered in future Polling Scheme Reviews.


Proposed Changes

The table below provides a summary of the proposed changes being considered for polling districts and polling places.

For the complete list of polling district and polling place arrangements by constituency, please see the supporting documents on the consultation webpage here.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who currently vote at any of the polling places listed below.


Chester North and Neston Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Cherry Grove Primary School, Cherry Grove Road
    • Polling district reference: UB12
    • Local Authority Ward: Chester City and Garden Quarter
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 187
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Rowland Heights Community Room because Cherry Grove Primary School sits in the wrong Local Government Ward for voters living in this district.
  • Current polling place: St Thomas’ Parish Hall, Parkgate Road
    • Polling district reference: UB3 and UB5
    • Local Authority Ward: Chester City and Garden Quarter
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): UB3 - 488, UB5 - 960
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to the former SureStart building at Blue Coats Primary School because St Thomas’ Parish Hall is undergoing long-term refurbishments works and will be unavailable as a venue in May 2027.
  • Current polling place: Mobile Polling Station - Morrisons Car Park, Liverpool Road
    • Polling district reference: UB4
    • Local Authority Ward: Chester City and Garden Quarter
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1715
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Chester Air Cadet Hall, Upton to save on the costs associated with the hire of a mobile polling station and provide a more centralised location for voters in the area.
  • Current polling place: Neston Town Hall, High Street
    • Polling district reference: UE2
    • Local Authority Ward: Neston
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1638
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Brio Neston to reduce the number of voters using Neston Town Hall and provide a secondary location in the town.
  • Current polling place: Chester District Scout HQ, Weston Grove
    • Polling district reference: UI1 and UI2
    • Local Authority Ward: Upton
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): UI1 - 1530 & UI2 - 1244
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to the Cheshire County Sports Club as a more accessible location and venue with better parking arrangements for local voters.


Chester South and Eddisbury Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Norley C of E County Primary School, Hough Lane
    • Polling district reference: VG12
    • Local Authority Ward: Tarvin and Kelsall
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 0
    • Proposed changes being considered: Proposal to remove this polling district and merge it with a neighbouring district VG6 because no voters are registered here. The district was created as an administrative area following the 2023 Parliamentary Boundary Review and is no longer needed.
  • Current polling place: Lighthouse Former Church House, Church Lane
    • Polling district reference: VI13
    • Local Authority Ward: Weaver and Cuddington
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 45
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Cuddington & Sandiway Village Hall because it is a closer location for voters in the district. Lighthouse Former Church House will still be used as a Polling Station for voters in Weaverham.


Ellesmere Port and Bromborough Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Bethany Church, Flatt Lane
    • Polling district reference: WA4
    • Local Authority Ward: Central and Grange
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 922
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Our Lady of the Sea Parish Hall because Bethany Church is no longer operational and will be unavailable as a venue in May 2027.


Mid-Cheshire Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: St John’s Church Hall Hartford, School Lane
    • Polling district reference: XB1
    • Local Authority Ward: Hartford and Greenbank
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 2327
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Hartford Village Hall, pending agreement by the Parish Council, to reduce the number of voters using St John’s Church. St. John’s Church will continue to be used as a polling place for voters in other districts closer to the venue.
  • Current polling place: Christ Church Greenbank, Chester Road
    • Polling district reference: XB5
    • Local Authority Ward: Hartford and Greenbank
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 521
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Cheshire County Football Association building because Christ Church sits in the wrong Local Government Ward for voters living in this district.
  • Current polling place: Castle Sports and Social Club, David Street
    • Polling district reference: XD6
    • Local Authority Ward: Northwich Winnington and Castle
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 913
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to the nearby RAF Cadet Hall in Castle, Northwich to reduce the number of voters using the Castle Sports and Social Club. The Castle Sports and Social Club which will still be used as a polling place for voters in other districts closer to the venue.
  • Current polling place: Leftwich Children’s Centre, Old Hall Road
    • Polling district reference: XF2
    • Local Authority Ward: Rudheath
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 0
    • Proposed changes being considered: Proposal to remove this polling district and merge it with the neighbouring district XF3 because no voters are registered here. The district was created as an administrative area following the 2023 Parliamentary Boundary Review and is no longer needed.
  • Current polling place: New Images Youth and Community Centre, Nixon Drive
    • Polling district reference: XI2
    • Local Authority Ward: Winsford Over and Verdin
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1811
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to the Brunner Guildhall to reduce the number of voters using the New Images Youth and Community Centre. The New Images Youth and Community Centre will still be used as a polling place for voters in other districts closer to the venue.


Runcorn and Helsby Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Helsby Community Centre, Lower Robin Hood Lane
    • Polling district reference: YC4
    • Local Authority Ward: Helsby
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 254
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to merge this polling district with the neighbouring district YC1 immediately to the north. This would create a more balanced number of voters across polling districts in Helsby and better reflect new housing developments in the south of the village.
  • Current polling place: Helsby Hillside Primary School, Bates Lane
    • Polling district reference: YC2
    • Local Authority Ward: Helsby
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1314
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to St Paul’s Church Hall, pending agreement by the church, as a more accessible location and venue with better parking arrangements for local voters.
  • Current polling place: Horns Mill Primary School, Denbigh Close
    • Polling district reference: YC3
    • Local Authority Ward: Helsby
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1225
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Helsby Community Sports Club, pending agreement by the club, as a more accessible location and venue with better parking arrangements for local voters.
  • Current polling place: Ashton Hayes Parish Room, West End
    • Polling district reference: YD3
    • Local Authority Ward: Sandstone
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): Aston Hayes and Horton Cum Peel Parish - 805, Mouldsworth Parish - 255
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Ashton Hayes Pavilion due to feedback from electors in the village.


Tatton Parliamentary Constituency

  • Current polling place: Barnton Memorial Hall, Townfield Lane
    • Polling district reference: ZA4
    • Local Authority Ward: Marbury
    • Voters affected (as of September 2026): 1432
    • Proposed changes being considered: A preference to change to Barnton Methodist Church as a secondary polling place to reduce the number of voters using Barnton Memorial Hall. Barnton Memorial Hall will continue to be used as a polling place for voters in other districts.