RESIDENTS are being consulted on draft proposals for new council ward boundaries across Poole.

The 10-week public consultation is being held by the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England, for people to give their views on new council wards, ward boundaries, and ward names across the borough.

Included in the draft recommendation are the proposals that Borough of Poole should continue to have 42 councillors but they should represent two six-member wards and 10 three-member wards across the area.

Max Caller CBE, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across Poole and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“Over the next 10 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 electors, 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 Poole and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.”

Creekmoor ward councillor Judy Butt welcomes the proposed boundary changes. She said: “We are thrilled to bits.

“The Conservatives won their option. It takes in a few roads at the top of the ward.”

She added: “The fight isn’t over. It now goes out to consultation. We need to make sure our residents say, ‘Yes, this is what we want’.”

Members of the public can express their views through writing to The Review Officer (Poole), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Layden House, 76 – 86 Turnmill Street, London, EC1M 5LG or emailing Reviews@lgbce.org.uk For a list of the full recommendations and interactive maps, go to the website consultation.lgbce.org.uk