13 Feb 2026
Have you cast your vote on the creation of new parish councils for parts of St Albans currently not represented?
The ongoing Community Governance Review (CGR) is looking at whether to create one or more parish councils to represent 28,000 households in Batchwood, Bernards Heath, Clarence, Cunningham, Hill End, Marshalswick West, Sopwell, St Peter’s and Verulam wards.
A campaign in support of the proposal is being run by St Albans Civic Society with the backing of local residents associations and other bodies, who fear without such an authority the city will lose local representation and ownership of heritage assets.
Last Saturday saw the final of four public meetings organised by the society, which took place at the Christ Church Centre in High Oaks.
Civic Society chair Mary Conneely said: “What stood out again at Saturday’s meeting was that residents continue to raise the issue of not having received a ballot pack or having misplaced it since it was delivered in early December.
“The consultation window closes on February 23, so the clock really is ticking!
“We know that the council is ready and willing to send out replacement ballot packs to maximise response. So, if you haven’t received one, have mislaid it or it was eaten
by the dog, simply email CGR@stalbans.gov.uk, by 5pm on February 19, with your name and address, to get a new one sent to you immediately.
“At this critical juncture, it’s important to remember that all responses will shape the final recommendations to council. A clear local mandate strengthens the case for a strong, properly empowered parish council, so we continue to encourage everyone to use their vote.
“We also continue to hold the council to account by tracking response numbers, asking them to check how many requests for new packs have been received, from which areas, to ensure the best possible representation and most democratic outcome.
“And it really matters! We’re asking everyone in the unparished area to complete and return their ballot paper – and everyone outside the unparished area but still keen to express their opinion to do so by email to CGR@stalbans.gov.uk – before the deadline of February 23.”
