The proposition to move Fishwick out of the Preston constituency and into the Ribble Valley is a “glaring anomaly”, according to Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.
Speaking at today’s Boundary Commission public hearing at the Tickled Trout hotel, Evans agreed with Labour’s Mark Hendrick that making Fishwick part of the Ribble Valley would be an ill-advised move.
“It would be the only ward of Preston contained within the Ribble Valley constituency.
“The people of Fishwick very much consider themselves part of Preston, and Fishwick is the gateway into the city of Preston.
“I don’t think that there is any community within Fishwick who wish to be part of the Ribble Valley – they are separated by both a motorway and a river” he said.
Evans proposed that the Greyfriars ward of Preston remains within the new Lancaster boundaries that are being considered – stating that this will allow the number of voters in each constituency to remain roughly equal.
Representatives from the Liberal Democrats and the Green party also made their voices heard. Speaking on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, Liam Pennington said: “Broadly speaking we agree with the wider findings of the boundary commission, but disagree with the splitting up of Preston.
“Fishwick should not be treated in the manner of a left over jigsaw puzzle.
“It is a Prestonian ward and is populated by Prestonian people. Fishwick has economically challenging issues which could be neglected if it’s attached to the Ribble Valley.”
Rick Seymour spoke on behalf of the Green Party, and agreed with all political parties that Fishwick should remain within Preston. He also proposed that Greyfriars and Sharoe Green wards should be moved into the Preston North constituency, and you can check out the full details of his proposals on his website.
Below you can check out a short video clip of Liam giving three reasons why Fishwick should remain within Preston (he also wrote us a guest opinion piece here). The public hearing continues tomorrow, starts at 11 am and is open to all.