Hurworth near Darlington could become part of Stockton in shake up

Hurworth and Middleton St George are currently part of Sedgefield ward but that could change next year if these plans go ahead.

The changes would also mean the end of ‘Stockton South’, with ‘Stockton West’ created from the west half of Thornaby, and tracts of land including Sadberge, Middleton St George and Hurworth, south of Darlington.

Plans have been revealed for parliamentary constituencies across the region after rejigs lined up in recent years did not come to fruition.

One resident said the proposed plans were "ridiculous". Picture: AJA DODD

So ahead of this, The Northern Echo went to Hurworth to ask residents what they thought of the proposed changes.

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Sharon said: “Well it seems a bit daft really. Why can’t we just stay as we are?”

Richard said: “We should be part of Darlington. I mean, that’s our local authority so that’s what would make sense. We’re nowhere near Stockton.”

Louise said: “I don’t even know why we’re part of Sedgefield to be honest. We’re closer to Darlington.”

Elaine said: “Doesn’t make any sense to me. We’re a village on the outskirts of Darlington. Not Sedgefield. Not Stockton. Why can’t we be part of the Darlington ward?”

Another resident said the changes indicated "blatant manipulation". Picture: AJA DODD

The changes would mean the end of ‘Stockton South’, with ‘Stockton West’ created from the west half of Thornaby, and tracts of land including Sadberge, Middleston St George and Hurworth, south of Darlington.

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Another resident, Andrew Thompson said: “It’s ridiculous. We’ve been part of Sedgefield for years and when it was announced about these changes, a good few years back, I was in discussion with Phil Wilson, who was the Sedgefield MP at the time and he said on the boundary changes we would become part of Darlington.

“We pay all our council taxes to Darlington. Any problems we have regarding waste or anything like that, we have to get in touch with Darlington Council.

"Why on earth Would we want to be part of Stockton which is even further than Sedgefield? It just doesn’t make any sense.”

Residents also aired their views on The Boundary Commission for England website. Picture: AJA DODD

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People have been submitting comments on The Boundary Commission for England website about this very issue too.

One resident wrote: “People living in the rural wards think of themselves as belonging to Darlington and they pay their taxes to Darlington so not having a say in the MP that represents them in Parliament is very difficult for them.”

Hurworth Village Green. Picture: AJA DODD

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Another resident wrote: “This is blatant manipulation by the current corrupt, right wing elitist government to cheat the electorate and tamper with boundaries to ensure they are re-elected in three years time.”

The Boundary Commission for England is asking the public to give their views on these initial plans before April 4 by clicking here or using this link: https://www.bcereviews.org.uk/node/6486

Final proposals are due to be published in 2023, with the intention that changes are made in time for the next general election.

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