Clock ticking for ward boundaries consultation

There is still time for local people to tell the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England where they think new council ward boundaries should be drawn across Exeter.

The Commission is asking people and organisations for their help to produce a new pattern of wards for 39 city councillors: one fewer than the current arrangements.

Max Caller, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up a new pattern of council wards for the whole city.

“We want to hear local views on where people think the focal point of their community is and where the natural boundaries between communities might lie.

“As we draw new boundaries, we will try to ensure that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters. We also aim to produce a pattern of wards that reflects the interests and identities of local communities.

“The Commission will carefully consider all evidence presented to it during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole city or just a small part of it.”

The Commission is gathering local views before it draws up draft recommendations for a new pattern of wards which are due to be published in June.

Local residents and organisations will then get another chance to have their say in a further round of consultation.

This phase of consultation closes on 31 March 2015. Further information about the review and interactive maps of existing wards can be found at www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk or www.lgbce.org.uk.

View interactive maps of current ward boundaries at www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk