Comment DBCC-4475

Please see attached document on new, shortened naming conventions

Natural Features Naming Convention Proposal
Dear Boundary Commission for Wales,

I want to thank you for what looks like a challenging job in creating these new constituencies, to ensure the people of Wales have a more proportional voting system in 2026.

Given the size and scale of many of these constituencies, the naming conventions around them, in my view, are becoming overly complex. For example, Dwyfor Meirionydd and Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr could be overly burdensome as a name, but also for the representatives to dedicate themselves to with pride as the previous system. Many MS’s and MP’s express a level of pride in the areas they originate from and proudly represent. It also is more convenient when discussing matters in their own constituency in the Senedd Siambr.

May I suggest that new naming conventions be adopted for the new Senedd, for example instead of Dwyfor Meirionydd and Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, the constituency be named “Aran-Cambrian” or “Eryri-Cambrian” as this encapsulates two vast natural features within an equally vast constituency.

Indeed, large or notable natural features that run through the constituency may also solve the problem of the increasingly long names. These could include mountain ranges, rivers, valleys, coastal peninsulas or indeed in some instances, where more appropriate, simply retaining their historic county names such as Camarthenshire/Caerfyrddin.

Suggested names are proposed below for each of the 16 new constituencies, but in reality I hope this response stimulates conversations on naming conventions, more appropriate to the shortened nature of speech both online and in todays modern world.

1. Bangor, Aberconwy, Ynys Môn
• Proposed Name: Eryri-Menai
• Reasoning: Incorporates Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Menai Strait, both prominent geographical features in the area.
2. Alyn, Deeside, and Wrexham
• Proposed Name: Clywedog-Alyn
• Reasoning: Incorporates the Clywedog River in Wrexham and the River Alyn, significant natural features in the region.
3. Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire, and Glyndŵr
• Proposed Name: Aran-Cambrian
• Reasoning: Named after Aran Fawddwy, one of the highest peaks in southern Snowdonia, and the Cambrian Mountains, which extend through Montgomeryshire.
4. Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire (merged from Ceredigion Preseli and Mid and South Pembs)
• Proposed Name: Preseli-Teifi
• Reasoning: Incorporates the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire and the River Teifi in Ceredigion.
5. Swansea West and Gower
• Proposed Name: Gŵyr-Tawe
• Reasoning: Combines the Gower Peninsula and the River Tawe, which runs through Swansea.
6. Brecon, Radnor, Neath, and Swansea East (merged from Brecon, Radnor and Cwmtawe, and Neath and Swansea East)
• Proposed Name: Bannau-Tawe
• Reasoning: "Bannau" refers to the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), and Tawe refers to the River Tawe in Swansea.
7. Aberafan Maesteg, Rhondda, and Ogmore
• Proposed Name: Cynon-Afan
• Reasoning: Incorporates the River Cynon, which runs through the Rhondda Valley, and the Afan Valley.
8. Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Pontypridd
• Proposed Name: Beacons-Taff
Reasoning: Reflects the proximity to the Brecon Beacons and the River Taff, which flows through this region.
9. Blaenau Gwent, Rhymney and Caerphilly
Proposed Name: Rhymney-Sirhowy
Reasoning: Named after the Rhymney River and Sirhowy Valley, which are significant natural features in this region.

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Member of public

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The entire area under review.