RESIDENTS are being asked to help draw up the new ward boundaries for Winchester City Council.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England has invited local people to have their say in the new areas.

It is part of the Commission’s overall plan to reshape Winchester in which the city council will have 45 councillors – 12 fewer than the current amount.

Max Caller, chair of the Commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Winchester. As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.

“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you. And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Winchester, this consultation is for you. Alternatively, if you’re simply interested in the way your council is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say.

“Your views will make a difference. We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of Winchester or just a small part of the city.

“Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in February 2015.”

Residents have until November 3 to submit their views at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and lgbce.org.uk and look at the interactive maps.