THE clock is ticking for residents to help decide where the new ward boundaries should be across Winchester.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people to say where they think the wards should be.

Under the new boundaries there will be 45 Winchester city councillors – 12 fewer than the current arrangement.

Chair of the commission, Max Caller, said: “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 communities.”

This phase of the consultation closes on November 3, and draft recommendations are planned for publication in February 2015.

Go to consultation.lgbce.org.uk for more information.