The Boundary Commission has recommended that Castle Bromwich and Smith's Wood wards be moved from the current Meriden parliamentary constituency into Hodge Hill constituency. It is part of a nationwide review intended to even out the number of electors per constituency. Local residents have expressed their unease, however the change to Hodge Hill has proved difficult to stop.
The public consultation is now closed. The proposals are to be put before Parliament by 1st July. They will almost certainly be implemented in time for the next General Election.
Offering some reassurance, local Councillor, Martin McCarthy said;
Although we will be moving to the Hodge Hill parliamentary constituency, Castle Bromwich will still remain part of Solihull Borough Council, continuing to enjoy the excellent levels of service we have grown used to. There are no plans to move Castle Bromwich into the Birmingham City Council area.
I would like to thank Alan Feeney and all those who supported his petition to have the constituency renamed 'Hodge Hill and Castle Bromwich'. This would reflect the very differing characteristics of the areas that will make up the new constituency. I would also like to pay tribute to Saqib Bhatti, who has been an excellent MP for us, and for his support of local businesses and jobs.
