Constituency confusion as polling day looms

In previous elections Dunmurry residents voted in Lagan Valley. However, following recent changes to the boundaries, the village is now part of West Belfast.

The new boundary line now runs along Ulster Avenue, with Dunmurry village becoming part of the West Belfast constituency.

Many residents feel this has not been made clear to them and the fact that campaigners from both Lagan Valley and West Belfast have been erecting posters in the village seems to be adding to the confusion.

One local resident, who has lived in Dunmurry for over fifty years, said he and many other residents felt aligned to Lagan Valley.

"There was talk in the past of changing the boundary but the way it was outlined wasn't very clear," he said.

"The decision seems to have only been made a few weeks ago and people are very upset.

"I have been here for over 50 years and have always voted in Lagan Valley. Sinn Fein have a large majority in West Belfast so there is no chance of changing that and we feel disenfranchised.

"I have spoken to other local residents and I would say it is a major possibility that people won't vote in this election. However, I am encouraging people to vote to register their opinion," he added.

Lagan Valley TUV election candidate Keith Harbinson said he was concerned people living in Dunmurry were not clear about which area they were eligible to vote in.

"We have received a lot of contact over the last two weeks from people in that area who are completely frustrated," said Mr Harbinson.

"The new boundary was set a month and a half ago but it has not been made clear to people where the new boundaries are. This confusion has been compounded by the fact that posters for both West Belfast and Lagan Valley have been erected on the same lampposts in Dunmurry," he added.