Cardiff City Council

represent a semi-rural ward on the outskirts of Cardiff. The two villages in my ward, namely Pentyrch and Gwaelod y Garth, are fortunate in that they both have thriving Village Halls at the centre of their communities. So Polling Stations are not a problem for them as both halls have good access for all voters except those that have to travel to the centres of the villages.

However, neighbouring wards are not so lucky. For example, Creigiau village has a Church hall that is used as a polling station but outlying areas of Creigiau are more remote and the hamlet of Capel Llanilltern usually has a portacabin for a polling station. I understand that these are now under threat of being discontinued. Clearly, loss of even inadequate provision is a concern for those of us who are keen to extend democratic participation by making it easy for people to vote as possible.

The village of Saint Fagans, adjacent to Creigiau/Pentyrch has a similar problem. A new part of Saint Fagans is located across a railway crossing along a narrow busy road with no pavement. Clearly, only those who can use a car can access the polling station in St. Fagans Village Hall  are able to exercise the democratic right easily. There is no provision for a polling station in their estate and the alternative to a long dangerous walk is to vote in a secondary school in the neighbouring ward of Ely. There have been proposals for a residents' garage to be used. I do not think that this gives the due gravity of the responsibility of voting and is unlikely to encourage people to make the effort. Accommodation should be provided that gives the duty the respect that it deserves.

Rural Communities have particular difficulties and need to be considered as such alongside more urban areas. Postal voting is not the answer to all situations or desires of the people. Some like the occasion of the attending a polling station and actually putting their cross on a ballot paper and their wishes should be respected in this most important matter.

Good Luck with your scrutiny of this matter and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.

Yours sincerely, Councillor Christine Priday.