Plans to cut number of councillors in Malvern Hills

The number of councillors in Malvern Hills could soon be slashed and wards redrawn as part of a review.

New proposals would see the number of councillors on Malvern Hills District Council cut from 38 to 31 as part of a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission.

A ten-week public consultation has now been launched asking residents across Malvern Hills to give their thoughts on their community to help shape the commission’s proposals.

The consultation will include questions on which areas and communities in Malvern Hills should remain in the same council ward as well as what facilities such as parks, leisure centres, shops and schools are shared by residents in certain areas.

Questions will also be asked about everyday issues and problems in towns and villages across Malvern Hills such as heavy traffic and the number of visitors as well as new and future housing developments and what effect they have had on the surrounding area.

The consultation will ask whether roads, rivers, railway lines and other landmarks and features form strong boundaries between neighbourhoods.

The independent body is responsible for drawing up ward and boundary maps for every local authority in England to ensure they are appropriate and so that each councillor represents a similar number of voters.

When finished, the public consultation will allow the Local Government Boundary Commission to rewrite the electoral boundary map in Malvern Hills before those changes go back to the public and a final decision is made.

Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, said: “We want people in Malvern Hills to help us.

“We are starting to draw up new wards for Malvern Hills. We want our proposals for new electoral arrangements to reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

“Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process.

“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.

“Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”

For more information visit consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/24708.