Two Scarborough borough polling stations set for changes

Following feedback received during the three elections held in 2019, changes were proposed within Esk Valley and Streonshalh wards in Whitby and Northstead ward in Scarborough.

Scarborough Council’s cabinet has now backed a change in two locations in the borough, subject to the approval of the full council.

In Esk Valley ward, the sports pavilion in Grosmont has been a suitable polling station for many years, but its limitations for a winter poll became evident in December 2019.

Polling venues in the Grosmont area were reviewed as a result, but no suitable alternatives were found.

After a similar review, the council will also keep the Whitby Mission and Seafarers’ Centre as a polling station in Streonshalh ward.

Elsewhere in the Streonshalh ward, electors who currently vote at St Hilda’s Primary School will now use the polling station at Church House Centre in Flowergate instead.

The council is moving away from using schools as polling stations due to the disruption it can cause their pupils and staff.

There is also a consultation ongoing about the potential closure of St Hilda’s.

In Scarborough’s Northstead ward, Alexandra Bowls Centre will be replaced by the Street community venue as it saves a nearly one-mile journey for the majority of those who walk to the polling station.

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you,

Jean MacQuarrie, Editor-in-Chief