Stop East Herts District Council splitting up Sawbridgeworth
Stop East Herts District Council splitting up Sawbridgeworth
The Issue
We the undersigned residents of Sawbridgeworth call on East Herts District Council to abandon its current plans to impose wards on our town, and instead conduct a new Community Governance Review (CGR) that properly consults with local residents and reflects the views, indentities, and interests of our community.
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What has happened?
East Herts District Council recently conducted a Community Governance Review (CGR) which recommended introducing wards in Sawbridgeworth for future local elections. This means dividing the town into smaller areas where residents could only vote for councillors standing in their specific ward, rather than across the whole town.
Our Town Council opposed this change. Local councillors spoke out against it. Many residents are unaware of it altogether.
What’s the problem?
East Herts claims it consulted the public by delivering a leaflet to every household. Yet nobody we’ve spoken to remembers receiving it. Even if it was delivered, the leaflet included no clear explanation of warding, no call to action, and no obvious way for residents to respond. The process has been rushed, poorly communicated, and has ignored the views of our community.
This isn’t about politics – our Town Council is made up of a mix of political parties and independents. It’s about doing what’s right for our community.
Under the current system, you can vote for any candidate across the town. Under the new system, your choice will be restricted. You may not be able to vote for your preferred councillor if they live in a different ward to you.
What we want to happen now
We are calling on East Herts District Council to scrap the current proposals and conduct a new CGR – one that listens to residents, follows proper process, and respects community identity.
This petition will be submitted formally to the Council to show the strength of public feeling and request that they reconsider their flawed decision.
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If you are on the electoral register in Sawbridgeworth please sign the petition below, and include your full name and address. Only signatures of registered voters in Sawbridgeworth will be valid.
If you would prefer to sign a paper copy of the petition, one can be found at: Sawbridgeworth Town Council, Sayesbury Manor, Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AN
868
The Issue
We the undersigned residents of Sawbridgeworth call on East Herts District Council to abandon its current plans to impose wards on our town, and instead conduct a new Community Governance Review (CGR) that properly consults with local residents and reflects the views, indentities, and interests of our community.
---
What has happened?
East Herts District Council recently conducted a Community Governance Review (CGR) which recommended introducing wards in Sawbridgeworth for future local elections. This means dividing the town into smaller areas where residents could only vote for councillors standing in their specific ward, rather than across the whole town.
Our Town Council opposed this change. Local councillors spoke out against it. Many residents are unaware of it altogether.
What’s the problem?
East Herts claims it consulted the public by delivering a leaflet to every household. Yet nobody we’ve spoken to remembers receiving it. Even if it was delivered, the leaflet included no clear explanation of warding, no call to action, and no obvious way for residents to respond. The process has been rushed, poorly communicated, and has ignored the views of our community.
This isn’t about politics – our Town Council is made up of a mix of political parties and independents. It’s about doing what’s right for our community.
Under the current system, you can vote for any candidate across the town. Under the new system, your choice will be restricted. You may not be able to vote for your preferred councillor if they live in a different ward to you.
What we want to happen now
We are calling on East Herts District Council to scrap the current proposals and conduct a new CGR – one that listens to residents, follows proper process, and respects community identity.
This petition will be submitted formally to the Council to show the strength of public feeling and request that they reconsider their flawed decision.
---
If you are on the electoral register in Sawbridgeworth please sign the petition below, and include your full name and address. Only signatures of registered voters in Sawbridgeworth will be valid.
If you would prefer to sign a paper copy of the petition, one can be found at: Sawbridgeworth Town Council, Sayesbury Manor, Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AN
868
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on 24 September 2025