Comment DBCC-7922

Dear Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru,

I am writing as a resident of Monmouthshire, on the border with Torfean, to express my support for the proposed boundary changes for the 2026 Senedd election. While there are diverse opinions on the expansion of the Senedd, I believe that the proposed pairings, particularly for Monmouthshire and Torfaen, are both practical and beneficial for several reasons. I would like to outline five key points, aligned with arguments put forward by Reform UK, which support this view:

Natural and Historical Connections with Torfaen
The proposed pairing of Monmouthshire with Torfaen makes sense as these areas share a long-standing history and local ties. Communities in both areas are closely linked, and it is important to maintain this connection in our political representation. Here are some specific historical ties that highlight the natural connection between Monmouthshire and Torfaen, supporting the proposed Senedd boundary changes:
• Shared Industrial Heritage: Monmouthshire and Torfaen have a rich industrial history, particularly around Pontypool in Torfaen, where ironworks, canals, and tramways played a vital role. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, connected Monmouthshire with the industrial areas of Torfaen, facilitating the movement of coal, iron, and other goods between these regions. This canal, running through Pontymoile in Torfaen, linked the region to the wider industrial network, fostering economic and social ties between the two areas(
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• Transport Routes Favor North-South Links: Historically, the geography of the area has supported north-south connections. For example, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the Afon Lwyd Valley created efficient transportation links between the two regions, particularly for industrial trade. In contrast, east-west connections in the valleys are often more challenging due to the natural topography, which favours routes running along the valleys (north-south) rather than across them (east-west)
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• Former Administrative Ties: Historically, both Monmouthshire and Torfaen were part of the old county of Monmouthshire before local government reorganizations in the 20th century. Torfaen was governed under Monmouthshire until reforms created separate administrative areas. This shared governance history further solidifies the natural links between the two.
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• Common Transport Infrastructure: Monmouthshire and Torfaen share significant infrastructure, such as the A4042 road, which runs north-south, linking the towns of Abergavenny (Monmouthshire) and Pontypool (Torfaen), making travel and economic ties between these regions more practical. This road serves as a major route connecting the two regions, illustrating the effectiveness of north-south transport.
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• Economic and Cultural Overlap: Both regions have longstanding economic, cultural, and social ties due to their proximity and shared historical developments. For instance, the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits close to the border between Monmouthshire and Torfaen, symbolizing the intertwined industrial pasts of both regions
• These examples demonstrate the historical, economic, and geographical connections between Monmouthshire and Torfaen, making the proposed constituency pairing logical and beneficial for effective representation in the Senedd.
Clear Geographical Logic
The Commission has rightly taken geography into account, ensuring that the boundaries reflect natural, accessible regions. Pairing Monmouthshire and Torfaen respects the natural topography and road connections, avoiding the creation of disjointed constituencies that would lack cohesion.

Support for Contiguous Constituencies
As highlighted in the Commission's report, the requirement for constituencies to be contiguous is both a legal and practical necessity. Monmouthshire and Torfaen naturally fit together, and any alternative pairing would create artificial divisions that would not benefit residents.

Representation of Rural and Urban Interests
The combination of Monmouthshire’s rural landscape with Torfaen’s more urban areas provides a balanced representation. This ensures that both rural and urban voices are heard in the Senedd, while still reflecting the distinct character of each region.

Effective North-South Alignment
In the context of other proposed pairings, the Monmouthshire-Torfaen constituency respects the natural north-south alignment of communities in Wales. This approach avoids the problematic east-west divisions seen in other regions, which would disrupt local ties and create unnecessary confusion.

In conclusion, I believe the proposed boundary changes, particularly the pairing of Monmouthshire and Torfaen, reflect a well-considered, practical approach to ensuring effective representation for residents. I fully support the Commission’s efforts and encourage others to share their views.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[REDACTED]
Resident of Monmouthshire

Respondent type

Member of public

This comment refers to

The entire area under review.