STROUD district residents are being asked for their input as new council ward boundaries are to be drawn up.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people for their help to draw up a new pattern of council wards for Stroud District Council.

The consultation is the first part of an electoral review which will re-draw ward boundaries across the district with the commission likely to recommend the number of councillors stays at 51.

In drawing up new boundaries, the commission aims to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters.

The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across the Stroud district.

Chairman of the Commission Max Caller said they would take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.

"If you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Stroud, this consultation is for you," he said.

“We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of Stroud or just a small part of the district.

“Your views will make a difference.”

The deadline for people to have their say is November 3 2014

For more information about the review and interactive maps of existing wards can be found at www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk

Draft recommendations will be published in February 2015.