WINCHESTER residents are being asked to comment on the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s proposed changes to existing wards, which could see the number of city councillors cut by 12.

An eight-week public consultation has begun into plans for the city to represented by 15 three-member wards.

It will end on April 6.

Full details of the recommendations can be seen on www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk.

Hard copies of the Commission’s report and maps can also be viewed at council buildings and libraries.

Commission chair Max Caller said: “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 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 Winchester 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 city or just part of it.”

Comments can be submitted by letter to: The Review Officer (Winchester), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Layden House, 76-86 Turnmill Street, London EC1M 5LG, by emailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk or through the webpage: www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/south-east/hampshire/winchester.