Residents in Easton, Lawrence Hill and the surrounding neighbourhoods are being encouraged to have their say after the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) published draft proposals for new electoral wards across Bristol. The recommendations form part of a city-wide review that would increase the number of Bristol City councillors from 70 to 76 and create 36 wards across the city. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
For Easton and Lawrence Hill, the Commission says its proposals are designed to better reflect local communities, strengthen neighbourhood identities and ensure fair representation as Bristol’s population continues to grow. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
Changes proposed for Easton
Under the draft recommendations, Easton would become a two-councillor ward. The Commission says the proposed ward reflects evidence that the Easton community extends westwards across the Severn Beach railway line, rather than southwards towards Redfield. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
The recommendations would extend the ward further west to include Easton CE Primary School and Easton Leisure Centre, which the Commission considers to be important facilities serving the wider Easton community. During consultation and a visit to the area, commissioners concluded that residents on both sides of the railway line commonly identify as being part of Easton. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
The proposals would also see Redfield moved out of the current Easton ward. The Commission says Redfield has relatively limited connections with Easton and stronger links with neighbouring areas around Church Road and St George. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
Lawrence Hill proposals
The draft plans would create a two-councillor Lawrence Hill ward bringing together Barton Hill, Old Market, Newtown and St Jude’s. The Commission rejected alternative proposals that would have divided the area or crossed major boundaries such as the M32 motorway. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
Particular emphasis has been placed on keeping Barton Hill together within a single ward. The Commission accepted evidence that Barton Hill is a distinct community that stretches across the railway line and should not be split between different wards. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
At the same time, areas broadly east of Stapleton Road railway station would move into the proposed Easton ward. Commissioners concluded those neighbourhoods have closer links to Easton than to Lawrence Hill. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
The review also considered suggestions to extend Lawrence Hill across the River Avon to include emerging developments around Paintworks and Temple Island. However, the Commission decided against this approach, arguing that the River Avon remains a strong and clearly identifiable boundary. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
Debate over the ward name
The Commission has also acknowledged local views that the name “Lawrence Hill” may no longer fully reflect the communities that make up the proposed ward. Suggestions put forward during consultation included names such as Barton Hill, Old Market, St Jude’s and St Philip’s. However, commissioners concluded that no single community dominates the area and have invited further public feedback before making a final decision. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
Have your say
The draft recommendations are now open for public consultation until 7 September 2026. Residents, community groups and organisations can submit their views on proposed boundaries, ward names and how well the recommendations reflect local communities. Final recommendations are due to be published in December 2026, with any changes expected to come into effect for Bristol City Council elections in 2028. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
For Easton and Lawrence Hill residents, the consultation is an opportunity to help shape how their communities are represented for years to come. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
The full draft recommendations can be viewed on the Local Government Boundary Commission for England website. [Bristol dr…report (1) | PDF]
