UTTLESFORD residents have been asked to share their views on proposed new council ward boundaries.

A twelve-week public consultation on recommendations to reduce the number of members of Uttlesford District Council from 44 to 39 was launched by the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England on Tuesday (April 16).

The recommendations also outline how councillors should represent seven single-member, ten two-member and four three-member wards.

The consultation, which ends on July 8, is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names across the district.

Max Caller CBE, chair of the commission, said: “Over the next 12 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 district 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 Uttlesford and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole district or just part of it.”

Full recommendations and interactive maps are available on the commission’s website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk

Hard copies are also available in council buildings and libraries.