CORNISH people are being asked for their views on controversial new electoral boundaries across the county.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England has drawn up draft proposals for new council divisions after a decision to reduce the size of Cornwall Council by 36 councillors to 87.

The move has been criticised by some councillors for creating new wards which will be too large for one representative.

A 15-week public consultation on the recommendations will end on September 17.

The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council divisions, division boundaries and division names across Cornwall.

The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the Commission’s website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk.

Hard copies of the Commission’s report and maps will also be available to view at council buildings.

 Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the Commission, said: ‘Over the next 15 weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved. 

‘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 Cornwall and that the pattern of divisions can help the council deliver effective local government for local people.’

People can write to: The Review Officer (Cornwall), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, 14th floor, Millbank Tower, London, SW1P 4QP;

People can also have a say through the Commission’s consultation portal: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/9428