Explanatory note

This Order gives effect, subject to one modification, to recommendations by the Local Government Commission for England for electoral changes in the city of Gloucester. The changes have effect in relation to local government elections to be held on and after 2nd May 2002.

The modifications relates to the name of one of the proposed new wards. The Secretary of State has decided that the ward for which the Commission suggested the name “Robinswood” should be called “Matson and Robinswood”.

Article 2 abolishes the existing wards of the city and provides for the creation of 15 new wards. That article and Schedule 1 also make provision for the names and areas of, and numbers of councillors for, the new wards.

Article 3 makes provision for a whole council election in 2002 and for reversion to elections by thirds in subsequent years. Schedule 2 regulates the order of retirement of councillors.

Article 4 makes electoral changes in the parish of Quedgeley.

Article 5 revokes the City of Gloucester (Electoral Changes) Order 1997 and the City of Gloucester (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1976.

The areas of the new city wards are demarcated on the map described in article 1(3). Prints of the map may be inspected at all reasonable times at the offices of Gloucester Council and at the offices of the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, 2nd Floor, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE.