TIME is running out for people to have their say on a plan to create new electoral divisions for councillors at Hampshire County Council.

As previously reported by The Gazette, the Local Government Boundary Commission for England set out plans to review electoral divisions at Hampshire County Council in February.

The review was prompted by electoral data from 2013, which shows that in a third of all the county council’s 75 electoral divisions, there was more than 10 per cent difference (plus or minus) in the number of electors compared to the average for the county.

And the commission is asking people for their help in producing the revamped pattern of electoral divisions for the 78 county councillors at the local authority.

Local views will then be considered before it draws up draft recommendations which are due to be published in November. Local residents and organisations will then get another chance to have their say in a further round of consultation following the publication of their recommendations.

Max Caller, chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up a new pattern of electoral divisions for the whole county.

“We want to hear local views on where people think the focal point of their community is and where the natural boundaries between communities might lie.

“As we draw new boundaries, we will try to ensure that each county councillor represents roughly the same number of voters. We also aim to produce a pattern of divisions that reflects the interests and identities of communities.”

He added: “The Commission will carefully consider all evidence presented to it during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole county or just a small part of it.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the review can submit their comments by visiting www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk by August 3.