LAST-DITCH efforts are being made to alter radical changes to the structure of Winchester City Council.

The Boundary Commission is consulting on plans to cut the number of councillors from 57 to 45 and draw up wards that have roughly the same number of electors.

The difficult balancing act has resulted in some huge wards including Twyford and Upper Meon Valley that stretches from Compton to Droxford.

Many councillors are unhappy that villages are being torn apart.

Villagers warn city councillors over split communities
Ward changes could see councillor numbers cut

Divorces include Colden Common and Twyford; Shirrell Heath, Waltham Chase and Shedfield; and Highcliffe and Winnall.

Retiring city councillor Chris Pines, Labour, said the council had got itself into a “dreadful mess”.

Councillors thought the review would save money but Cllr Pines said the increased burden on officers would negate that.

The changes would undermine communities, he said.

Lib Dem councillor Therese Evans said the Twyford and Upper Meon Valley ward was untenable and it would struggle to find anyone willing to stand for election to it.

The deadline for feedback to the commission is Monday.