Lilian Greenwood MP has received confirmation from the Boundary Commission for England, that people in Nottingham wishing to take part in the consultation on constituency boundaries can attend any of the public hearings to be held in the East Midlands.

The Boundary Commission, who are in the process of redrawing constituency boundaries across the country as part of the 2013 Review, had faced criticism for  not scheduling a public hearing in the Nottingham area - with Derby, Lincoln and Northampton chosen as the East Midlands sites.

The City MP wrote to the Boundary Commission to clarify where Nottingham people could make their views heard, as recent reports suggested that Northampton was the only hearing they could submit their views to.

Lilian Greenwood said:

“A number of people contacted me with their concerns that the Boundary Commission hadn’t organised a public hearing in our city – with many feeling that the Boundary Commission was making it difficult for people in Nottingham to have their say on the proposals put forward to alter constituency boundaries.”

“There was particular confusion about whether people wishing to respond to Nottingham’s proposals would have to attend a specific hearing – Derby, Lincoln or Northampton -  and that many would have difficulty participating if they were reliant on public transport to get to meetings.”

“Although I remain disappointed at the Boundary Commission’s decision not to hold a hearing in our city – I am pleased that the Secretary to the Commission has clarified that people from Nottingham can attend Derby, Lincoln or Northampton , with equal weight given to representations made at any of the hearings.”

“The proposals put forward by the Commission significantly change the democratic map across the whole of our area.  I would urge everyone to have a look at the proposals and take part in the hearings either in person, or by submitting their thoughts via email or post.”