A PETITION to include Shirley in the name of the Parliamentary constituency has been launched.
Solihull MP, Julian Knight, started the petition following the Boundary Commision for England’s (BCE) latest proposals for the borough, which would see the borough represented by three MPs in Parliament instead of two.
The latest plans see Castle Bromwich and Smith’s Wood move to Birmingham Hodge constituency.
And Elmdon and Silhill wards move from Solihull to Meriden.
The plans also suggest Monkspath, Dickens Heath, Tidbury Green and Cheswick Green would move to Solihull from Meriden.
Over the years Mr Knight has championed to add Shirley to the name of his constituency and he has vowed to try again.
Mr Knight said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed representing the people of the Silhill and Elmdon wards since 2015 and whilst I am disappointed that these two wards will be moving into the Meriden constituency, I must accept that there is a wider picture in play here.
“The new Solihull constituency will also include the communities of Monkspath, Dickens Heath, Tidbury Green and Cheswick Green. I believe this makes sense given the strong connections to Shirley.
“However, I will be writing to the Commission again stating that I would like the new constituency to be renamed to Solihull West and Shirley to better reflect the community the new constituency will represent.
“I believe that given Shirley will effectively make up over half of the new constituency, it should be recognised in the name of the new constituency.
“I would ask my constituents to consider signing the petition that I intend to send to the Boundary Commission which will request that Shirley is formally recongised in the name of the new constituency.”
For more or to sign the petition click here.
