A MOVE to wipe a Stockton suburb from the political map has been scrapped by boundary bosses.

Grangefield ward was set to be consigned to history if original proposals from the Local Government Boundary Commission were backed.

But now the body has tweaked its overhaul of Stockton Council’s political map in another round of consultation lasting until the new year. 

A new report has now recommended the number of councillors in the borough increases from 56 to 57. 

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And instead of getting rid of Grangefield by absorbing it into Newtown, the existing suburb would live on as a smaller one councillor ward if new proposals are agreed next Spring. 

Grangefield councillor Carol Clark feared the identity of her home would be lost if the ward was wiped from the map. 

However, she was pleased with the fresh idea on the table. 

The Labour member said: “It’s down to the residents who’ve really worked hard in getting in touch with the boundary commission. 

“They were adamant they wanted Grangefield to stay.

“I’m quite happy with the agreement they’ve made. They’ve not done exactly what we’ve said – but it’s still around, and they’ve another bit in with us which is absolutely fine.”

Plans to split Fairfield into two wards have also been shelved by the commission – with the ward to return two councillors in future if the current proposals are agreed. 

Veteran independents Cllr Bill Woodhead and Cllr Maurice Perry slammed border bosses in June after initial plans showed their Fairfield ward could be split along Bishopton Road West.

Cllr Woodhead labelled the concept “absolutely scandalous” – and accused border officials of “living in cocoons” at the time.

Many Conservative group suggestions were backed in the first round of the border rethink unveiled earlier this year. 

Group leader Cllr Tony Riordan was disappointed the commission was “causing further work” by changing their original recommendations. 

And he wasn’t happy with plans to increase the total number of councillors. 

Cllr Riordan added: “The decision by the boundary commission to increase the number of councillors on Stockton Council, will, I’m sure, be met with derision by the local council taxpayer.

“However, the Conservative Group will, as ever, work in a positive manner with the commission to ensure that all areas of the Borough are fairly represented by hard working and dedicated councillors.”

Changes have also been made south of the river with a new Ingleby Barwick South ward lined up and a “southern parishes” councillor planned to cover Kirklevington, Hilton and Maltby. 

Thornaby mayor Cllr Steve Walmsley was furious at plans to cut the number of councillors in the town from eight to six this summer. 

And the Thornaby Independent was still unhappy moves to “chop away” part of the town were still on the table.

Cllr Walmsley said: “After being presented with boundary evidence, this faceless few have simply waived it aside to imperiously redetermine the shape of a town established by Royal Charter.

“This unaccountable lot haven’t taken a blind bit of notice of Thornaby people and elected members.”

He added: “I will be asking Thornaby Town Council to take it out to residents for their opinion.

“Once again, our boundaries, history, and identity is simply being brushed aside.”

The draft report detailed border changes across Stockton which, if agreed, will apply at the 2023 elections. 

Stockton Council leader Cllr Bob Cook welcomed the adjustments the commission had made.

“We’ve had a group meeting and we’re quite satisfied with what they’ve come back with,” he said, 

“They’ve actually listened to what the people who wrote into them have said – especially in the Grangefield ward where they had 47 objections to them getting rid of it.”

A full set of final recommendations for the council will be published in March 2022.

This latest round of consultation will end on January 10.

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