SOUTH Gloucestershire stands to lose nine councillors if proposals for new ward boundaries go ahead.
The Local Government Boundary Commission has recommended the revised boundaries, which will see South Gloucestershire Council’s total number of elected representatives fall from 70 to 61, as the county is split into eight three-councillor wards, 15 two-councillor wards and seven one-councillor wards.
Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the commission, said the aim of the revised boundaries was to improve “electoral equality”.
A public consultation, which allows residents to comment on the proposals, is currently open and will end on November 6.
“We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across South Gloucestershire and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations,” said Professor Mellors.
“Over the next ten weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.
“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same regardless of where you live.
“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across South Gloucestershire and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.”
Under the proposals Cotswold Edge, Ladden Brook and Westerleigh wards will be scrapped, a new ward, Sodbury Vale will be introduced, and the Boyd Valley ward will be extended.
The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names across South Gloucestershire.
Professor Mellors said: “We will consider all the submissions we receive whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole council area or just part of it.”
The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the Commission’s website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk
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