COLDEN Common residents are fighting to keep its community connected with neighbouring village Twyford.

It follows proposals put forward by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England which will put Colden Common alongside Otterbourne, Oliver’s Battery and Hursley.

In its representation to the commission, the Parish Council wrote: “We cannot stress enough that Colden Common and Twyford share the same challenges and the benefits of sharing the same ward cannot be understated. Historically Twyford and Colden Common were one Parish.

“Despite today being two legal parishes, a very strong joint community identity remains. We believe that Twyford and Colden Common as one ward with two Ward Councillors is the most effective and efficient way of local democracy and best reflects the three main considerations as laid down in legislation.

“Please allow Colden Common and Twyford to remain as one ward.”

The consultation period closes on April 6 and views can be submitted on consultation.lgbce.org.uk.