Review of polling stations across Brighton and Hove

A public consultation is under way on the city council website in response to issues raised during recent elections.

The aim of the consultation is to find new polling places where there are not enough, make sure they are accessible to disabled people and minimise disruption to schools.

Election ward boundaries and the parliamentary constituencies are not part of the review.

There are specific questions relating to each of the council wards.

Options include changing one of the Hove Park ward polling places from Cottesmore St Mary’s Catholic Primary School to Hove Rugby Club.

In St Peter’s and North Laine ward, the Brighthelm Centre is another suggestion instead of St Paul’s CofE School.

Brighton Town Hall is offered as an alternative to Middle Street School.

Hundreds of parents signed a petition earlier this year, which was presented to Brighton and Hove City Council’s Policy, Resources and Growth Committee in July.

The petition was started by Downs Infant School parent Faye Brockwell and received strong support from the governors of Cottesmore St Mary’s Primary in Hove.

Arthur Gallagher, the vice chair of governors at Cottesmore, presented the petition to councillors.

He said that parents were fined for taking their children out of school but had already faced finding extra childcare or had to take the day off for the council and European elections.

They may face another polling day this year should the Prime Minister call a general election in October.

A full copy of the consultation document and link to the questions for each ward are found on the city council website at consultations.brighton-hove.gov.uk/jobs/full-review-of-brighton-hove-polling-districts-and.

The deadline for completing the form is Friday September 13.