THE final proposal for how new ward boundaries in Basingstoke and Deane could look has been released.

Following an administrative error from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) which delayed the process, the final draft for the new boundaries has now been submitted to the House of Commons.

Under the new proposals, Basingstoke and Deane should be represented by 54 borough councillors in the future: six fewer than the current arrangement.

The change will impact all but two of the current ward boundaries.

In response to feedback during consultation, the Commission has made changes to some of the wards it put forward for consultation last year.

For example, it has made minor changes to its proposed Eastrop and Grove ward and Brookvale and Kings Furlong ward so that the boundaries of both wards are more identifiable and communities are not divided.

In the north of the borough, the Commission has agreed to include the area around Priestley Road in the Sherborne St John and Rooksdown ward rather than Popley as previously proposed. The Commission believes the new arrangement is a better reflection of community ties.

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the Commission, said: “We are extremely grateful to people across Basingstoke and Deane who took part in the review.

“The Commission has looked at all the evidence that was put forward during the consultation.

“We believe these recommendations deliver electoral fairness for voters as well as reflecting community ties throughout Basingstoke and Deane.”

In addition to the changes, four of wards will see their names changed. The wards will be called: Tadley North, Kingsclere & Baughurst; Kempshott & Buckskin; Whitchurch, Overton & Laverstoke; and Tadley & Pamber.

Full details of the final recommendations are available on the Commission’s website at lgbce.org.uk.