A DECISION not to change Broadstone’s electoral boundary has been hailed as a victory by Poole Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors.

Both are equally delighted that the Broadstone and Creekmoor wards are not being changed, but Conservatives are confused by the outcome of a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

“The Boundary Commission was insistent that that numbers didn’t add up and there had to be changes,” said Cllr Judy Butt, pictured right, Conservative member for Creekmoor. “Now they are saying it will stay the same.”

In its draft recommendations in April, the commission had proposed that part of the Broadstone ward, Edwina Drive, Twin Oaks Close and York Road should move into Creekmoor and carried out 10 a week public consultation on the plan.

However in a turf war Lib Dems, who hold Broadstone, had proposed carving up Creekmoor and creating a new ward, labelled a “ridiculous, silly suggestion” by Cllr Butt.

While the Conservative’s favoured hiving off of a few roads around Edwina Drive, affecting 400 people, was a “betrayal of residents”, according to Cllr Mike Brooke, Lib Dem Broadstone member.

“They have actually listened to local members and Broadstone councillors and decided not to change the boundary at all. We are delighted,” said Cllr Brooke.

Cllr Butt, speaking on behalf of the three Creekmoor councillors said: “We are delighted that the boundaries are to be left undisrupted and that they stopped in its tracks the Lib Dem proposal to decimate the Creekmoor ward by hacking it in half with no consultation of Creekmoor residents affected.”

Max Caller, chairman of the commission said: “Across the borough, we have sought to balance the views of local people with the criteria we must apply when we are deciding on new electoral arrangements.

“As such, we believe these recommendations deliver electoral equality for voters and reflect the identities of communities across Poole.”

A proposal to retain the borough’s 42 members is also being recommended to Parliament with the arrangements due to come into force at council elections in 2015.