Senedd: Alyn and Deeside to merge with Wrexham in new ‘Fflint Wrecsam’ constituency

Alyn and Deeside is set to merge with Wrexham under plans for a new Senedd constituency named Fflint Wrecsam, the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has announced.

The announcement, made today (17 December 2024), is part of the Commission’s task to reduce Wales’ Senedd constituencies from 40 to 16, as required under the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act.

The changes, effective from the 2026 Senedd election, will see six Members of the Senedd elected from each constituency using the D’Hondt voting method.

The decision to pair Alyn and Deeside with Wrexham follows a consultation period where the Commission received 51 responses—24 in support and 27 in opposition. Alternative suggestions included pairing Alyn and Deeside with Clwyd East or Wrexham with Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr.

A spokesperson for the Commission explained:

“The Commission believes that having clear communication and travel connections is an important part of being able to provide for effective and convenient representation. These areas are well connected by transport links and are similar in character, making this pairing a cohesive constituency.”

The proposed name Fflint Wrecsam, supported by the Welsh Language Commissioner, reflects the local authority names and ensures recognition among both Welsh and English speakers.

The name follows a consultation that received 19 responses, with 17 opposing the initially proposed Alyn, Deeside and Wrexham. Alternative suggestions included Flintshire East and Wrexham or Alun.

The Commission’s Chief Executive, Shereen Williams, urged residents to share their feedback during the final consultation period, which closes on 13 January 2025.

“These Revised Proposals represent a significant step on the journey to creating Wales’ new constituencies. We remain open to making further changes depending on the representations we receive during this consultation, so we urge everyone to share their views.”

The Commission’s Final Decisions Report is expected in March 2025.

For more information or to take part in the consultation, visit the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru website.