A proposal to split Greenwich, Charlton and Woolwich into separate parliamentary constituencies is being opposed by some Greenwich residents even as the independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) finalises plans for new boundaries.
The BCE, which is currently reviewing constituency boundaries for England, will publish a final report on the new electoral map by July 1, 2023.
Greenwich residents, who have already given feedback in the previous round of consultations, say they supported the original BCE proposal for keeping the Greenwich and Woolwich constituencies together.
Now, residents say they are strongly opposed to counterproposals that would split Greenwich, Charlton, and Woolwich into separate constituencies.
Susan Bush, a local who has lived in the Greenwich area for more that 40 years, noted in her comment to the BCE that though, “each is a very distinct community, they (Woolwich and Greenwich) have a shared naval, military and royal history, and much in common as a result of that legacy.”
Greenwich residents also say there is a “physical boundary” between Greenwich and Lewisham which is formed by Deptford Creek, the River Ravensbourne, and the open space of Blackheath and the A2 road between Greenwich and Lewisham. They hope Greenwich would not be merged with the larger Lewisham constituency. Greenwich residents say Lewisham feels “different” to their community as well as to Woolwich and Charlton.
Kenneth Pearce, another local who has lived in Greenwich for most of his life, commented to the BCE. “Greenwich and Lewisham are very different places, and the interests of these communities seldom overlap.” He noted, however, that there is a small portion of Greenwich west of the Deptford Creek near the river.
Pearce’s opinion on Greenwich and Lewisham being very different appears to have popular support. A Greenwich resident, who requested anonymity, wrote to the BCE that keeping Woolwich and Greenwich together “conforms to the history of the constituency and does not amalgamate parts of Greenwich with parts of Lewisham which have little in common as communities.” The resident added: “churning of political areas confuse the citizen and should, I think, be kept to a minimum.”
Richard Quibell, another local, noted in a letter to the BCE that just as Lewisham, New Cross, and Deptford have drawn closer to each other over the years, the same was the case for Greenwich, Charlton and Woolwich. Therefore, Quibell said, trying to merge Deptford with Greenwich and Lewisham, “runs counter the general principle that constituencies should observe established community boundaries.”
The final round of statutory consultation for the BCE report began on November 8. The public were invited to comment on proposed constituency boundaries until December 5, 2022.
