Residents are invited to comment on the convenience and accessibility of the polling stations used for elections in east Suffolk.

The government requires all councils to undertake a full review of polling stations every four years. This time, an earlier review is required for Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils before the elections taking place on 2 May 2019.

As part of the review, a consultation period is open to the public until 30 November 2018, giving everyone the opportunity to comment on the polling stations we use, and their suitability, facilities and accessibility.

Comments made before 30 October 2018 will be taken into consideration when the (Acting) Returning Officer (ARO), Stephen Baker, Chief Executive of Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils, comments on the current arrangements and proposed changes.

The ARO’s report will be published on 31 October 2018 and open for public consultation until 30 November 2018.

The final proposals will be presented and considered at a full meeting of the East Suffolk Shadow Council on 28 January 2019.

Stephen Baker, the ARO, said: “We welcome comments on this consultation, so we can make sure the polling stations are in the right place and easily accessible to voters ahead of us becoming East Suffolk Council.

“We would like to invite all interested parties to make representations and comments on the existing and proposed polling districts and polling places. Anyone who makes a comment is also invited to suggest alternative polling districts/places which will be given the appropriate consideration.”

Comments or representations can be made in writing to:

Electoral Services, Suffolk Coastal District Council, East Suffolk House, Riduna Park, Station Road, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1RT or Electoral Services, Waveney District Council, 2 Canning Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0EQ or by email to elections@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

More details about the review and a schedule showing the current polling district areas and their allocated polling station venues can be found here.

For more information, please contact the Electoral Services Team on 01394 444 685 or 01502 523 238.