Comment DBCC-7100

[REDACTED] I would like to comment on the proposed arrangements in the Swansea area.

I fully support the pairing of the Gower and Swansea West Westminster constituencies. These areas have strong natural links between them and are integrated communities. For example, the Gendros estate is split between Cockett (Gower) and Cwmbwrla (Swansea West) wards, while Olchfa school with its broad catchment is right on the boundary line between Dunvant & Killay ward (Gower) and Sketty ward (Swanesa West). People from across Gower travel into Swansea West for their shopping and access to local services.

In theory Swansea West constituency could be reasonably paired with Neath & Swansea East constituency, but this would have damaging impacts elsewhere. There are few natural links, for example, between Gower and Llanelli, while a Gower and Brecon, Radnor & Cwmtawe pairing would be absurd.

The linkage of Neath & Swansea East with Brecon, Radnor & Cwmtawe makes sense given that the latter seat already contains several Neath constituencies. It is certainly not a perfect fit, but within the somewhat absurd system devised by the Senedd, this would seem to be the most sensible pairing. During the previous Westminster boundary review there were many submissions objecting to the splitting of the Cwmtawe area from Neath, and the new proposed boundaries respond to this.

To summarise: I fully support the boundaries that the Commission have proposed in the Swansea area.

Respondent type

Member of public

This comment refers to

The entire area under review.