RESIDENTS in South Gloucestershire are being asked to help officials draw up new council wards.

As the first part of an electoral review by the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England, the consultation will re-draw ward boundaries across the council area.

The commission, which has said it is minded to recommend a reduction in councillors from 70 to 61, has appealed for information from people and groups across South Gloucestershire to help it to produce the new pattern of wards.

One of the main targets of the review is to allow electoral equality, with councillors representing similar numbers of people.

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

Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the commission, said that residents’ views will “make a difference” to the process.

He said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for South Gloucestershire.

“As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.

“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you.

“And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of South Gloucestershire, then this consultation is for you.

“Alternatively, if you’re simply interested in the way the council is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say.”

The deadline for residents to submit their views on the consultation is June 5.

He added: “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 South Gloucestershire or just a small part of the council area.

“Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in September.”

Further information on the review and interactive maps of the existing wards can be found at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk.