Cheshire west and chester council could be set to shrink by 6 councillors in time for the 2019 elections. Following a formal request by the council, the Independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is to consult with locals to draw up a new pattern of council wards. The Commission have stated that they will recommend that the new look council have 69 members, 6 fewer than the current arrangements.
The Commission now needs information from people and groups across Cheshire West and Chester to help it to produce a new pattern of wards to accommodate 69 councillors. 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 Cheshire West and Chester.
Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Cheshire West and Chester. 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 Cheshire West and Chester, 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.
“Your views will make a difference.
“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 Cheshire West and Chester 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.”
Residents of the borough have until the 5th june to get involved in the consultation. The new wards are expected to be in place for the 2019 elections.
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.
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