Boundary Commission consultation could mean more Fenland councillors

A public consultation has been launched to decide new ward boundaries in Fenland.

This follows a decision by the Local Government Boundary Commission that the number of councillors in Fenland District Council should be increased to 42 from 39.

The 10-week consultation on the proposals will run until January 10 and asks residents what issues are important to them.

Launching the consultation, Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: “We want people in Fenland to help us.

“We are starting to draw up new wards for Fenland. 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.”

The commission is particularly interested to know which facilities are shared by different communities, such as parks, leisure centres, schools and shopping centres.

It would also like to find out what issues neighbouring communities have in common, for example, high numbers of visitors or heavy traffic.

The commission is reviewing Fenland to make sure councillors represent the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements help the council work effectively.

It also wants to be sure that its proposals reflect community ties and identities.

To make your views heard, visit https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/30415, or email reviews@lgbce.org.uk.